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50 Cents 


Jf3Y~ Flora Adams Darling a.m. 

cr — 



Diplomat 


New York: John W. Lovell Company 

150 Worth Street, Cor. Mission Place 


No. i. American Novelists’ Series. 

Issued Monthly Annual Subscription, $5.00. August, 1889, 









































































Social Diplomat, 



FLORA ADAMS DARLING. 



NEW YORK : 

FR iNK F. LOVELL & COMPANY, 
142 and 144 Worth Street. 










% 



Copyrighted by 
Flora Adams Darling, 
1889. 


WITH SINCERE AFFECTION 
I DEDICATE THIS LITTLE VOLUME OF 

SOCIAL DIPLOMACY. 

TO MY BROTHER 

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 


The Author. 


Washington , D. C., July 25th, 1S88. 




















































































































































































































































































































































* 






























































A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


CHAPTER I . 

Elsa Gilroy was a handsome woman, one of the sweet 
face type, with fearless and true expression, revealing 
gentleness yet strength of character. Any casual ob- 
server would have remarked her appearance with favor, 
but her friends, those who knew her best, regarded her 
not only a beautiful woman, but a remarkable woman ; 
her intellectual abilities were of a high order, command- 
ing respect; her opinions were just and conservative ; 
her manner agreeable and kind, making her an universal 
favorite, admired, loved, and trusted. 

She was a woman of memories ; she had crossed “ the 
Desert of Disappointment,” but the seal of eternal 
silence closed the record of her pilgrimage. The halo 
of mystery surrounding her increased the interest of her 
friends, but did not elicit revelation. 

The fact was known that years before she had left her 
childhood home a happy bride ; five years later she re- 
turned alone. She admitted her husband had gone West 
to remain indefinitely, but offered few explanations. 
She returned apparently without regret to her old home 
and friends, and made Ridge Cottage a home of beauty, 


4 


A SO CIA L DIPLOMAT. 


where her magical influence was seen and felt. The 
cheerfulness pervading her domain was so genuine, that 
all who knew her had to confess she possessed without 
alloy light of mind, warmth of soul, happiness of heart 
sufficiently to disguise any sorrow that might have en- 
tered her life. The nine days of speculation regarding 
her return became a memory, and people ceased to make 
inquisitive interrogations. It was generally believed she 
had left Jack, for no one for a moment believed it possible 
that Jack could have left Elsa — as they were familiarly 
called with home friends — who remembered how in- 
finitely superior she was to him, how earnestly he had 
sought her hand ; nor did they forget how reluctantly 
her uncle had given his consent to the marriage when 
he was made to realize Elsa had taken her fate into her 
own hands, and was ready to make the plunge regard- 
less of near or remote consequences. No one had be- 
lieved Jack worthy of Elsa, but under the glamour of 
love she was blinded to his faults, and impulse over- 
came judgment. She made her flight into the world 
with her chosen mate, she returned with the wings of 
love and hope clipped, with a concealed arrow under 
her wing, but gave no sign ; still in her own heart she 
was painfully aware that the illusive rays were dispelled, 
that hope was dead, and love had taken flight 

During her absence from Ridge Cottage her uncle, 
the guardian of her childhood, had died. She had few 
relatives ; they were not inquisitive ; they respected her 
silence. 

The confidant and trusted friend of Elsa Gilroy was 
Senator Braintree, an old family friend ; he knew her 
wrong, but her secret was safe in his keeping. Man is 
Woman's truest friend. 

“Tell me the true story,” he had said, encourag- 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


5 


ingly ; “ there is no cause for concealment with me ; I 
am your friend ; your father with his dying breath con- 
fided you to my love and care ; I have endeavored to 
be faithful to the trust.” 

Then in a low, sad voice Elsa gave him the key of 
her past. She withheld nothing essential for him to 
know, in order to form an accurate opinion, and 
promised to be guided by his advice. When she had 
finished she said with a faint smile, “ I am in the hands 
of my judge, I am waiting for the verdict.” 

“ Elsa,” he said, with judicial dignity, “ you are right 
first, last, and all the time. You must never be made 
to suffer through Jack again ; he is not worthy of your 
affection. Your remedy is in divorce.” 

“Never!” Elsa replied, with emphasis; “I have 
said before the man of God ‘ until death do us part/ 
and this vow does not mean until some man or woman 
desires the vow broken. No, senator ; only the inevit- 
able grave can ever grant me a legal decree of separa- 
tion. I shall remain his wife through joy, through sor- 
row, through glory or shame, until ‘ Death’s seal is set. ' 
This is my unalterable determination.” 

“ I regret your views regarding divorce, but Jack 
has written me to induce you to obtain the decree, Sen- 
ator Braintree replied, slowly; “he is intent upon legal 
separation.” 

“Write him for me, never by any act of mine will he 
be released from his vows, and the sooner he under- 
stands this for a fixed fact the better it will be for all 
concerned. ” 

“But, Elsa, regard the future; you are young, your 
possibilities are great ; I urge you to accept your liberty 
in the light of reason and duty ; my only object is your 
happiness. Why should you fetter the genius of your 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


6 

soul? Why should you eclipse the sunlight of your life 
by such a shadow ? ” 

“Grief will be my inspiration and work my sun- 
shine,” Elsa replied, cheerfully. “I never knew my 
possibilities until sorrow entered my life. I will yet do 
something with my pen of which you will be proud, for 
there is more poetry than sorrow in my soul, and 
alone I will work out the problem of life in my own 
way. ” 

“You will give a grand result to the world,” Senator 
Braintree replied, admiringly. “In your own crea- 
tions you will forget the darkness, and ‘there will be 
tight/” 

“There are no dark corners in my heart or home,” 
Elsa replied, with a bright, happy smile. “ Happiness 
is within ourselves, not dependent on circumstances or 
surroundings ; we make our own sunshine.” 

“There can be no shadows or darkness with you, 
Elsa ; you are all sunshine. I remember you as a tiny 
child with your little wheelbarrow, busily engaged 
wheeling God’s sunshine into your dying father’s room, 
when the shadows were descending. How well I 
recall his look when he realized the act, and said, 
brokenly, ‘ God bless my Elsa, the sunshine of my life ! * 
Yes, Elsa, God has blessed you with light of soul ; you 
deserve a better fate ; your life must not be blighted,” 
Senator Braintree said, thoughtfully. 

‘ ‘ Alas for happiness ! ” Elsa said, with a deep sigh ; 
“but tell me, senator, for you are wise — tell me what 
is happiness ? ” 

“Happiness is a generic and very comprehensive 
quality, and can be applied to almost every kind of en- 
joyment propitious and favorable for exaltation of 
sentiment, but is more frequently expressed than felt. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


7 

My idea of happiness is, * as a man thinketh, so is he, ’ 
but with woman the central point of happiness is love. 
Byron says truly, 

“ ‘Man’s love is of man’s life a thing apart 
’Tis woman’s whole existence. 

Men have many resources, she but one, 

To love again, and be again undone.’ 

But your happiness, Elsa, is near and dear to me ; I 
beg you not to throw it away upon a theoretical idea 
regarding divorce. Do not hesitate between expediency 
and justice, for your duty is plain.” 

“ Do not urge me,” Elsa said, as tears filled her eyes. 
“Men are strong and women are weak, and my deter- 
mination is unalterable ; but it pains me to oppose your 
views, and yet I cannot accept them.” 

A few moments later she was alone. Senator Brain- 
tree was en route for Washington. He said to himself, 
“Sweet little woman ; she will twine all her actions 
into the great cable of Purpose, and thereby win suc- 
cess, but not find happiness. I love Elsa Gilroy with 
single-hearted, disinterested devotion. 

“ ‘There are mysterious sympathies which link like to like. 

Our natures are kindred, we are one soul in two bodies.’ 

I wish she was my Destiny ; there should be no un- 
happiness in her life through any fault of mine ; no 
shadow of divorce to cloud her happiness. But she 
will not accept. She is a woman to hug her wrongs 
and make her sorrow her throne. She will live, suffer, 
or die, yet make no sign, because she is actuated by 
principle and guided by convictions, with a man's head 
but a woman's heart.'' 


8 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


CHAPTER II. 

Four years, with all the change attending the rota- 
tion of life and affairs, have cycled into eternity since 
Elsa’s return to Ridge Cottage, but in her life or sur- 
roundings no change has entered. She was buried to 
the world, but found companionship in her books and 
happiness through the medium of her pen. The world 
knew “Stella” through poetry of the soul, as a bright 
star with fancies striking the key-note to vibrate the hu- 
man heart with sweetest tones of pleasure and saddest 
strains of woe. The friends of Elsa felt she was writ- 
ing the experience of her heart in poetry. The world 
called it inspiration ; they did not know that she knew 
the language of hoping, loving, and fearing, of watch- 
ing and waiting, through knowledge based on experi- 
ence, the fruit of sorrow, the bitter and sweet of crushed 
hopes and bitter memories. The pleasure of her life 
was the weekly letter from Senator Braintree, but in all 
this long period of “ hope deferred ” no letter reached 
her from her husband. She had ceased to expect, and 
to a great degree he was out of her memory as much 
as her life, until recalled in a manner to dispel poetry 
and invite action. She was informed through Senator 
Braintree that he had been notified of divorce proceed- 
ings instituted by Colonel Gilroy in a Western State, 
on the ground of desertion on the part of Mrs. Gilroy, 
and asking her to direct him how to proceed. 

She was instantly aroused out of her dreams and 
fancies, ready to oppose the case at every point. She 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


9 

sent for Senator Braintree to visit her without delay. 
He responded, divided between two opinions — he 
hesitated between love and duty. 

“ Give me your heart’s confidence,” he said, when 
he met her ; “tell me your true, honest-hearted wishes ; 
tell me everything.’’ 

“Absolutely,” Elsa replied ; “there must be no dis- 
guise between counsel and client ; besides, you are my 
friend. ” 

“You are my soul’s friend,” he said, quickly. “I 
am not capable of advising you in this matter disinter- 
estedly. I love you too dearly to be free from motive. 
As counsellor and friend I advise divorce. I want you 
to marry again a man worthy of your affection, and 
realize the destiny God designed for your glorious 
nature. ” 

“I can never bring myself to adopt the Mormon 
faith,” Elsa said, pleasantly, “even to secure the boon 
most desired from heaven. ” 

“There is a trinity,” the senator said, with a smile, 
“you could compass if you would only consent to 
divorce. There is one in whom you could find hus- 
band, home, and happiness. Why will you longer war 
against fate ? ” 

“I took my destiny into my own hands,” Elsa 
replied, slowly, “ when I married in haste — and I have 
repented at leisure — but I will be spared the disgrace of 
divorce, the last humiliation a wife can be made to 
endure. Senator, you must stand between me and the 
world ; you must not desert me because our heads 
differ, for you know our hearts agree. You are my 
only defender.” Tears filled her eyes ; they were a 
powerful argument, and they won her cause. 

“You can rely on me, Elsa. We will checkmate any 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


io 

aspirations Jack may entertain regarding legal separa- 
tion. He shall never obtain the decree unless you 
desire it.” 

“It will never be granted if he waits for that date,” 
Elsa replied, with emphasis. 

“ I will have to return to Washington this evening,” 
Senator Braintree replied. “I will write you directly 
regarding the matter from a new point of view, but be 
assured you have nothing to fear. I have not opposed 
Jack’s intentions, although I have not aided or abetted 
them ; but from to-day I pledge you my active support. 

I will wear your colors and accept your motto, ‘Until 
death do us part ’ ” 

Elsa watched Senator Braintree with longing eyes as 
he left her sight. She knew he was disappointed in the 
result of his mission ; she knew she was forging chains 
to fetter her life, but she acted upon principle, and 
believed no sacrifice too great to maintain her creed. 
She was not insensible to the new future offered her, 
but from a strict sense of moral right she believed the 
temptation a trial of her faith, and the realization irrevo- 
cably denied her by the vows she had taken, and her in- 
flexible will aided her in making a firm resolve in the 
hour of trial ; yet she had frankly confessed to Senator 
Braintree that she had ceased to love her husband ; still 
she maintained lack of love was not sufficient cause for 
broken chains, and deliberately, in view of this con- 
fessed knowledge and the light of many extenuating 
truths, she signed her death-warrant to domestic happi- 
ness when she instructed Senator Braintree to invite her 
husband to make a second return to seek her favor, if 
not her love. 

Colonel Gilroy was a man well calculated to win the 
favor of a woman, but he had not moral qualities to 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. U 

command respect. He was exceedingly liberal in his 
code of morality, and any woman who anchored faith 
in his constancy or hope in his loyalty was doomed to 
disappointment. Elsa had been bitterly disappointed, 
both through his love and honor, and her heart ached 
and her proud spirit rebelled against domestic treachery 
on his part until endurance ceased to be a virtue and 
content became a memory. She had married Jack Gil- 
roy against the will of her uncle, but she believed she 
loved him ; and when women are under this delusive 
spell there is little logic and less common-sense in their 
words or deeds. 

For a brief period Elsa believed she was happy ; but 
when reality succeeded romance the illusions faded, 
and regret and knowledge came too late. She was 
then enabled to analyze her husbands character in the 
light ot truth ; her conclusions were just, her deductions 
clear. She admitted Jack was neither good nor bad, 
but destitute of every quality to make a wife happy — 
thoroughly disloyal by nature and practice. He was 
a reckless spendthrift, and not careful of his reputation. 
He had little genuine knowledge of business, but was 
remarkable for wild- cat speculation, his style of finan- 
ciering was peculiar to himself, and he adopted a 
method not inviting investigation. He recklessly 
squandered her wealth, forfeited her love, and used her 
Uncle Henry’s name without regard to his consent in 
an emergency to bridge over. The matter was happily 
adjusted without criminal proceedings, but the failure 
was disastrous and involved much suffering to many 
trusting, would-be speculators. After the failure Col- 
onel Gilroy demanded more money from Elsa. The 
demand was refused, and he made this the basis of a 
quarrel, and left for the West, where he joined the great 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


tz 

army of adventurous speculators, and acquired wealth. 
Madam Rumor now reported he was about to marry 
the widow of his partner, one of the richest ladies in 
America. Evidently Colonel Gilroy believed a divorce 
could be easily obtained ; he believed hate had 
triumphed over love in Elsa’s breast, and the separation 
would not be defended. He knew Elsa possessed 
insight and foresight and was endowed with wonderful 
attractions, making her a force to be respected, an argu- 
ment to be feared, if she decided to oppose his attempt 
to obtain the decree. He knew she enjoyed name and 
fame by right of intellect and social position, but his 
heart did not bow in allegiance to hers. 

He sought the good offices of Senator Braintree, he 
confessed the truth, and begged him to influence Elsa 
not to oppose his desire. “I know Stella is a bright 
star,” he said, “ but she is not my guiding light. We 
are not adapted to each other. I was painfully con- 
scious of the fact when we were trying to be happy, for 
there was nothing in common between us : we were 
not in sympathy in thought or action ; my ways, my 
friends, were not hers. I should think, senator, a 
woman like Elsa, so esteemed and honored, would 
make you a grand wife, a social luminary in official life 
to lead to new fields of glory.” 

“Jack,” said Senator Braintree, with sternness of 
voice and coldness of manner, “such talk is domestic 
treason against your wife and an insult to me. You 
may forget the past in the light of the future, because 
you are a man ; but Elsa does not forget that she is a 
wife, and will never, under any circumstance, allow the 
annulment of the existing marriage. This is her answer. 

I return from a fool’s errand, and can assure you from 
knowledge there will be no divorce on your calendar 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT 


*3 

of expectations. If you will follow good advice you 
will seek a home mission instead of a foreign mission. 
My opinion is, if you will seek Elsa you will find a 
wife who will increase your honor and do you good 
instead of evil < all the days of your life/ ” 

“Yes, but I have made a second choice. It has been 
proved Elsa was easily consoled after my departure ; 
she never asked me to return. We have learned we are 
not dependent on each other for happiness ; and now I 
have wealth of my own, and I intend to exercise my 
own will and pleasure as to who shall dispense it ; and 
you know me sufficiently well, senator, that I am not 
easily dissuaded when fully intent to accomplish an 
object. You know my motto, ‘ Where there is a will 
there is a way/" 


CHAPTER II. 

Two days after Senator Braintree’s visit to Ridge 
Cottage, Gibson returned from the village post-office 
with a letter for Mrs. Gilroy, which was eagerly opened 
and quickly read. Then with a fixed look of determina- 
tion Elsa said, “I am resolved, and ‘resolution with- 
out action is folly/" 

Again she read the silent messenger : 

“Washington, D. C., December 12, 18 — . 

“My dear Elsa : I have just had a long conversation with Jack. 
He is intent upon his mission (not domestic, but foreign). I think, 
however, in view of your ‘ irrevocable decision ’ to remain his wife, it 
is wise for you to see your husband personally, and learn all the facts, 
from every point of view. He is not only seeking divorce, but a 
diplomatic mission. I fancy the lady in question is the animating 
force for divorce, the propelling power for official honors. 


14 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


“ You had better come to this ‘ City of Refuge ’ for a domestic con- 
ference, and call your truant husband before the domestic Bar to 
answer for deeds of omission and commission, and, if necessary, make 
a treaty of peace with the lady in question. Jack desired my influ- 
ence in urging your acceptance of the situation ; I told him, however, 
I was pledged to your interest, happiness, and wishes in the matter. 
I cannot serve God and Mammon. Answer at once ; tell me when to 
expect you here, and everything shall be arranged as you wish. Be 
assured, dear Elsa, it is my greatest happiness to serve you faithfully. 

“Your friend, 

“T. H. Braintree.” 


Elsa’s reply was soon written : 

“Ridge Cottage, December 14, 18 — . 

“My dear Senator : Yours received. I accept your invitation. 

I feel the impulse, and am insensible to fear when an animating 
motive leads me on ; and my motive will bear scrutiny, and action is 
what I need. My life is too ideal ; a little stern reality will do me 
good. There is nothing ideal in divorce but a stern fact, a tremen- 
dous responsibility in every decree granted. Sometimes in my lone- 
liness I am almost ready to yield to Jack’s desire, and divorce myself 
from the author of my unhappiness, the complex relation of being 
neither maid, wife nor widow. It is a sad relation to be only wife in 
name, and often my heart rebels ; but in the calm light of reason I 
accept my fate, whether it be to live alone in the future, as I have in 
the past, or to reclaim Jack as a breveted husband. I have to con- 
fess he is not essential to my happiness, for I am independent of his 
love ; but as an adjunct of respectability a husband is desirable — in 
person — when actually a wife exists. He is bound to me legally, and 
cannot forswear his allegiance through whim or caprice. He has 
given me every cause for divorce, but I ignore cause and effect, and 
he can bring no charge against me. I think it may be best for us to 
be reunited, and I am ready for any fair device to bring about the 
result. 

“You know, senator, his acknowledged disloyalty to me, but I 
was wilfully deaf and blind to his faults. I would not be jealous or 
believe real or imaginary wrongs inflicted on me. I endeavored to 
make him feel my love and trust, but he was insensible to such de- 
votion ; he may not, however, be able to resist my diplomacy. I 
have arrived at the happy state when he cannot wound my feelings ; 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


15 

he may reach my pride, but that is not fatal. I know he lacks the 
fundamental principles of integrity and domestic honor, and cannot 
disguise his faults. He is very transparent and indiscreet. He has 
many ambitions and few achievements, but at heart he is not a bad 
man. I intend to make an opportunity for reconciliation ; I am will- 
ing to accept the responsibilities and abide the consequences. Should 
he fail to appreciate and refuse to accept, I shall return to my home 
in the full assurance of having done my full duty as wife and woman. 
I hope, dear senator, you will give me your active and moral sup- 
port, for you are my anchor. 

“With renewed assurances, your sincere friend, 

“Elsa.” 

Mrs. Gilroy dispatched the letter ; then, for hours 
alone with memory, her heart went back to the sunny 
days of youth, the days of hope, the days of sorrow ; 
but there were no days of disgrace in her life. This fact 
made her strong in the day of conflict between love 
and duty. 

Two days after Senator Braintree met Mrs. Gilroy at 
the railroad station at Washington, and after escorting 
her to handsome rooms at the Ebbit House, left with 
the promise to spend the evening with her, to speak 
uninterruptedly of a subject affecting with much force 
several lives. 

Evening came, and Elsa had made a pretty toilet, 
and with graceful pleasure in her manner and woman’s 
tact in her conversation opened the subject. “ Now, 
senator, tell me all about Jack and his inamorata ; I 
am truly interested in more than one particular.” 

“ I have little to tell. I think, however, it is safe to 
assume that he will weigh all the pros and cons and 
proceed slowly now that his wife is on a mission. I 
believe he will acknowledge your active persuasion, 
and yield gracefully to the fair diplomat, for she is an 
irresistible force.” 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


1 6 

“To whom do you refer? ” Elsa asked, knowingly. 

“There is but one force that I acknowledge as irre- 
sistible. Your heart can supply the name," was his 
answer. 

“I wonder if it is good form for you to visit me in 
my own parlor ? ” Elsa asked, adroitly, to turn the con- 
versation. 

“It is thoroughly conventional for a gentleman to 
visit a lady in her own parlor," he replied. “No one 
speaks of personal affairs in a public parlor." 

“ I wish to be conventional, and not offend society. 
You must not forget that I am a novice. I have been 
a recluse so long I may not prove equal to the re- 
quirements. ” 

“You will never offend ; your mission is to please ; 
you have the genius of common-sense, with manner 
and association to inspire respect and avoid criticism. 
You are wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove ; you 
are my ideal of perfection and attraction wherever you 
are found." 

“Do not flatter, senator, and please remember opin- 
ion is not judgment." 

“But my opinion is based on judgment. If you 
were not so bigoted about divorce, I would make you 
love Jack less and your old friend more. What have 
you realized in your marriage with him to increase your 
honor or happiness? You have not even experienced 
the law of compensation ; you have given but not re- 
ceived. " 

“Yes, but I bear his name ; I have an experience as 
wife, a history as woman. Do not, senator, widen the 
breach, for you are not only my confidant but my con- 
science, and must be my strength." 

“Stop, my fair pleader!" the senator interrupted. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


17 

* Am I not acquainted with the equities of marriage ? 
I know the privileges granted and duties accepted ; but 
you, Elsa, have been denied affection and protection, 
and in this new departure you will fail to realize any 
return. Your creed, ‘Until death do us part,’ sounds 
well, but it is all nonsense. You look mighty saint- 
like as an exponent of the faith, but you would be much 
more sweet and natural as a happy wife of a man 
worthy of your love, one who loves you devotedly. ” 

“Senator, do not get me entangled in doubt,” Elsa 
said, in a tone of reproach. “ My heart believes in 
your fidelity, and my head is sufficiently vain to indorse 
the happy belief that you love me well enough to sac- 
rifice for my sake.” 

“Yes, dear, I love you and seek your happiness. I 
have known Jack from the cradle, and never knew any- 
thing in him to admire ; but you feel differently, therefore 
it is useless for me to attempt to stand between a danger- 
ously attractive man and a warm-hearted, confiding 
woman. I realize as sensibly as you do that marriage is 
a solemn fact when once entered, and there is no return, 
unless divorce be accepted as a compromise.” 

“Yes, between vice and virtue,” Elsa said, quickly ; 
“the bond has been taken and its obligations accepted ; 
no sin of others can set me free.” 

“There are many reasons why divorce should be 
made available, and few good reasons why marriage 
vows are indissoluble when unhappily taken. There 
is an argument for and against the question upon gen- 
eral principles, but in this specific case the argument and 
facts are all on your side. You deserve a better fate 
than to embitter your life with that prince of disloyalty, 
who will make your life wretched, if you care for his 
jnorals or hope for his love. You are true, incapable 


jg A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 

of doing that man justice ; you are too loyal to an ideal ; 
accept me as a reality ; I will give you all I am — heart, 
hand, loyalty, and possessions— if you will consent to 
the divorce, allow Jack to marry and go on his 
mission.” 

“No, no, senator ; I know my loss, but Jack is my 
destiny.” 

“That ends the matter,” Senator Braintree said, slowly, 
“but you cannot prevent me from being your stead- 
fast friend.” 

“I know it,” Elsa said, bursting into tears. There 
was a struggle in each heart, and varied emotions filled 
each breast. Elsa broke the silence in a pathetic voice 
that recalled reason. “Senator, pity me, help me, but 
do not tell me of your love. I know it, I feel it, and 
this knowledge makes my cross so much harder to 
bear.” 

“Listen to me, Elsa, then I will plead my cause no 
further. Be true to your heart, be true to your womanly 
nature, abandon the self-imposed penance leading you 
on to embitter your life, for you will surely awaken to 
a full sense of disappointment. You are in love with 
an idea ; be in love with an object ; cease endowing 
Jack with virtues he never did nor never will possess. 
You have already sacrificed before that broken idol 
youth, wealth, and happiness ; now the time has come 
for an extinction of memories, for a new and brighter 
future. ” 

“Senator, I love you. I know the wish of my 
people ; I know we could be very happy, and the 
knowledge that I am loved by you is like a constant 
benediction to my soul ; but I must abandon the dearest 
wish of my life ; my conscience will sustain me. I can 
endure perhaps better than I can forgive. Be kind to 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


1 9 

me, my dearest friend, and let us speak of this subject 
no more.” 

“Women are contradictions. Elsa is not an excep- 
tion, but she commands my respect. I know she is 
sincere; I will be content, ” thought the senator within 
himself. ” 

“Well, I must leave you now,” he said, with a sigh ; 
“We will talk of Jack to-morrrow.” For a moment he 
looked steadily into her eyes, then said, earnestly, 
“ God bless you always.” 

Tears filled Elsa's eyes as he left her. She knew 
Senator Braintree had spoken words of truth ; she knew 
Jack had outlived any love he had ever felt for her ; 
she knew Senator Braintree loved her. He had buried 
his wife years before, and was regarded a confirmed 
widower. Elsa loved him from childhood ; he enjoyed 
her highest confidence ; he knew every chapter of her 
life ; there were no secrets, no concealment, no disguise 
between them. He saw how heroically she bore her 
sorrow ; his love increased ; he made no effort to dis- 
guise the fact. Once he said, ‘ ‘ Elsa, I wish you were 
free ; my highest ambition is to make you my wife.” 

“No, senator, you cannot mean you would have me 
accept liberty in view of a second marriage. I believe 
consecutive bigamy, even under color of law, as crimi- 
nal as simultaneous bigamy, and we are not Mormons 
by birth or education, in theory or practice.” To con- 
firm her resolution, she recalled these words and every 
episode of her past. She dared not think of her future. 

“To those who see the future sure 
The bitter present may endure,’’ 


20 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


CHAPTER IV. 

The next morning Mrs. Gilroy received the following 
two notes : 


“Washington, Thursday, December 16. 

“ My dear Mrs. Gilroy : Pray kindly waive ceremony, and 
come to dine with us to-morrow evening. So many of our friends 
are mutual I cannot think of you as a stranger; many other friends 
will be as glad as I to have this pleasure. I trust that you will do me 
the honor to accept, for I feel special pride in extending cordial wel- 
come to one whom I admire so much, and desire to know personally, 
in memory of her father and for her own sake. 

“ Sincerely, 

“U. S. Cabinet.” 

This note was inclosed within the following : 

“Senate Chamber, December, 17. 

“My dear Elsa: I have accepted the inclosed invitation. Please 
be ready at the time appointed, when I will call for you. I believe 
it is to be a grand affair. 

“ Yours, in haste, 

“T. H. Braintree.” 

“Dear old senator!” said Elsa, caressingly, as she 
folded his note ; “evidently he intends to launch me 
in due form in the best society ; he hopes I will forget, 
but such memories as mine are not easily forgotten.” 

Mistress and maid were soon after engaged selecting 
a becoming costume for the debut. Elsa was simple 
but elegant in her taste, and knew without much hesita- 
tion the style most becoming. 

At the appointed hour Senator Braintree arrived, and 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


21 


for a moment stood lost in admiration at the charming 
vision that met his pleased eyes. 

“Is it Elsa? ” he exclaimed. 

“Yes, senator, why not ? ” 

“ You are indeed ‘ Stella' to-night You are as lovely 
as a poem. Have you been in fairy hands?” 

“Yes, in the hands of a good dressmaker. They 
are the artists to make women poems and songs with- 
out words ; they make the Cinderellas of society.” 

“You are fortunate in your artist. You are simplicity 
and elegance combined.” 

“I am glad you are pleased,” Elsa said, frankly; 
“ any lady honored with your escort ought to be be- 
comingly dressed ; besides, you know I am very proud 
of my senator, and delight to do him honor.” 

“I am proud of my fair constituent. She does me 
honor. ” 

“ I must not forget and call you Uncle Tom in soci- 
ety ; it would destroy the romance of the occasion.” 

“Why should you change the custom of your life? 
Jack never forgets to dub me uncle, and is just now 
specially prone to remember the custom borrowed from 
Elsa.” 

“But uncles are never very devoted to nieces, unless 
the degree is very remote.” 

“Yes; but, Elsa, you are not niece or sweetheart, 
only my charming friend. There is but one other 
relationship I covet with you ; in the meantime I am 
willing to stand in any light you are pleased to place 
me.” 

“A truce to that subject. Tell me, shall we meet 
Jack to-night ? ” 

“No ; a dinner-party of this kind is society indeed, 
not an uninvited reception for the public to rush into 


22 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


like a menagerie ; besides, at present Colonel Gilroy is 
in official life an unknown quantity, and the widow, 
although the heroine of a gold mine, is only on the fringe 
of society here ; but they are on the up-grade. Once 
in four years a great upheaval occurs, and the so- 
cial status of many undergo radical changes ; but 
gold and official prominence are not the only requi- 
sites to admit men or women into the best type of 
society of Washington. There is an ‘ inner court ’ in 
the temple that you will enter to-night ; I am sure you 
will be a priestess. ” The prediction of Senator Brain- 
tree was verified. Elsa at once took a high place in 
the charmed circle of polite society, for she was at 
home through instinct and association, and her quality 
was instantly recognized. Her bright face, her abun- 
dant hair, dressed in simple Grecian style, her pretty 
figure, made more imposing by an exquisitely fitting 
white velvet dress with square neck filled in with rare 
lace, adding softness to the face and beauty to the form 
so exquisitely moulded as to need few adornments. 
Her diamonds, of medium size, were elegant. The 
only jewel specially attractive was a diamond star 
fastened by a delicate, almost invisible chain around 
her throat. The effect was artistic ; but independent 
of her elegant attire, face and figure were noticeable for 
charm and grace. Senator Braintree was proud of his 
fair friend and her pronounced success, and answered 
again and again the interrogation, Who is she ? 
“‘Stella’ in poetry, Elsa in prose,” was the reply, 
“but in society Mrs. Gilroy.” 

“She is a star to inspire songs of praise. I have 
never met a more lovely woman,” Senator Wheelock 
remarked. “Where has she lived ? ” 

“At home, in the hearts of her friends,” Braintree 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 2 3 

replied, “ universally admired and beloved. She is a 
noble woman — yes, a perfect woman.” 

“Evidently you are an ardent admirer, senator/' 
Wheelock said, with a smile. “Tell me, is she a 
widow ? ” 

“No, she is a wife." 

“ Her husband is to be envied ; but remember, Brain- 
tree, ‘the nettle danger lurks near the rose,' especially 
when the rose is another man’s wife. I wonder if she 
is related to Jack Gilroy? ” he asked, interrogatively. 

“Do you know Mrs. De Foe?" Senator Braintree 
asked, quickly, in order to escape giving an answer he 
was then not quite willing to make public. 

“Yes, well ; she is from my State ; I admire her ex- 
ceedingly, but unfortunately she admires the enterpris- 
ing colonel more than me. Gilroy is very successful 
with women." 

“Do you think Mrs. De Foe is very much interested in 
Jack ? " Senator Braintree asked. 

“To tell you the truth, I am not of the opinion that 
she is greatly in love with Jack, or Jack with her; but 
there is one who loves and is loved, a niece of Mrs. De 
Foe ; but she has no money." 

At that moment Mrs. Gilroy approached Senator 
Braintree, and signified her desire to say au revoir. 

Many admiring eyes followed the distinguished sena- 
tor and the “star of the evening" as they passed out to 
their carriage, Elsa looking still more lovely enwrapped 
in a cloud of drapery, making her beautiful as a dream, 
one that haunts memory and not to be forgotten. 


24 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


CHAPTER V. 

“Well, Elsa, what think you of the evening's enjoy- 
ment?” the senator asked, gayly, when they had en- 
tered the carriage and were being rapidly driven to the 
Ebbitt House. 

“All delightful. I am conscious of pride, but there 
is one fatal remembrance to shadow every j^y. I wish 
the past was unsighed for, the future sure. I ought not 
to go into society to make myself an interrogation point. 
The inevitable who is she ? is sure to be asked, and 
must be answered with a sad truth. I hate the apology 
of my life,” she said, sadly. 

“ Remember after the dark the dawn ; there will yet 
be light, and your life above apology or explanation. 
Jack will read the papers to-morrow morning. He will 
feel pride in your conquest. Pie will be glad to acknowl- 
edge Stella as his star. ” 

“ Poor Jack, he was once very proud of me ! How 
true it is ‘love sees too little or too much,' but still 
more true, 

“ ‘Oh, what a tangled web we weave 
When first we practice to deceive ! 

I used to love Jack so dearly, my soul was chained by 
the vow that made me his. The dream of those happy 
days is sweet, and the loss of his love was bitter, and 
in desolation I have often exclaimed and felt, ‘ Oh, my 
beautiful lost paradise ! ' — but there is no armor against 
fate. I took my own fate, and plunged into a path 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


25 

eagerly sought, determined to abide the consequences. 
I have remained faithful to the resolve. I am not per- 
jured, and yet lam through no fault of mine a ‘deserted 
wife/ Yet, senator, I cannot forget we were once hap- 
py, and in memory of my lost love I can endure much, 
I can conquer self.” 

“Elsa, dear,” Senator Braintree said, tenderly, “I 
thank you for showing me your heart. I believe you 
have spoken the truth ; you still love your ideal too 
tenderly to erect any new altar. Perhaps you are right ; 
who can tell ? But you have guarded with care your 
heart’s secret.” 

“Yes, senator, 

“ ‘This is life’s only secret, 

Wait, and work, and believe ; 

The worker soon ceases regretting, 

The trustful soon ceases to grieve. ’ ” 

They reached the Ebbitt ; he said good-night and 
went to the Rotunda, thinking of Elsa’s confidence. 

“Jack is her hero, and she cannot disguise it. She 
is clear as crystal, warm as the sun. She is my ideal. 
I wish she was my reality,” he thought. 

When Senator Braintree entered the reading-room he 
met Senator Hartwell, the colleague of Senator Wheel- 
ock, who was ardently advancing Colonel Gilroy’s 
claim for a foreign mission. 

“ How are you, senator? I wish a moment’s con- 
versation with you. What are the chances for Gilroy ? 
He tells me he enjoys your friendship and active in- 
fluence. ” 

“Really, senator, I have very little information re- 
garding the advancement he has made. I only know 
that he is intent on his mission ; but, Hartwell, tell me, 


26 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


is Gilroy a proper representative to do us honor 
abroad ? ” 

“That is the very question I was about to ask you,” 
was the reply. “I presumed you knew him better than 
I. He tells me he was formerly your townsman ; in- 
deed, I believe he’s a relative in some degree.” 

“ I used to know Jack well, but for the past five years 
I am wholly unfamiliar with his record, but I know his 
wife. She is the grandest woman I have ever known. ” 

“You shock me, Braintree! Has Gilroy a wife ? I 
have known him five years, and this is my first intima- 
tion of the fact. Tell me, senator; it shall be in con- 
fidence. What is the meaning of this complication ? ” 

“A variety of circumstances, ” Braintree replied. 

“I thought I knew Gilroy,” Senator Hartwell re- 
marked; “we have been associated together in busi- 
ness ; he has recently realized a large fortune, and it is 
a well-confirmed rumor that he is soon to marry 
the richest widow in our State — a very reputable 
widow. I am sure she has no knowledge of his wife, 
and if it be discovered, Jack will have little to hope and 
much to fear. ” 

“Tell me, who is this rich widow, Mrs. De Foe?” 
asked Senator Braintree. 

“Mrs. De Foe is a wealthy woman, who has many 
good qualities. She is not eminently refined or highly 
educated, but she is rich, and wishes to increase honors. 
She is the influencing power of this foreign mission ; 
but I will give you a point — one well to keep in view ; 
it may cut the knot of complications quickly and in an 
eminently respectable manner. Senator Wheelock 
would give his right hand to marry the gold-mine widow, 
but Jack had such influence over her she refused to see 
his virtues in their true light. She desired official 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


27 

honors. As Jack has no constituency, she seeks Gov- 
ernment promotion, and backs her request with gold ; 
but as for sentiment between them there is not any. 
Jack would give more for the little finger of her niece, 
Natalie De Foe, than he would for the widow and all her 
appurtenances ; but she is a power. She can only be 
reached through her pride. I know her like a book. When 
she hears there is a wife to divide honors between, she 
will renounce him with a vengeance. Gilroy has in some 
way deceived her. You know he can deceive the very 
elect when fully intent to secure an object. ” 

“I know him thoroughly,” Braintree replied. “He 
has more vanity than a woman. He will be as much 
in love with his wife to-morrow as he was when he 
sought her for his bride. Women have strange influence 
over him, and he is always most in love with the last 
sensation. In the West the heroine of a gold mine 
would naturally incite his ambition to conquest ; but 
here in the capital a refined, handsome, elegant, and 
gifted woman, a queen in society, will subjugate his 
traitor heart; he will be only too proud to bow 
at her shrine and renew allegiance, regardless of any 
obligation or claim any other woman may have upon 
him. He has made more than one woman suffer, but 
he does not know what suffering is himself ; there is no 
depth to his nature ; he is void of sensibilities ; and yet 
women profess to love him, but it is a question in my 
mind if they really do ; they mistake fancy or the mag- 
netism of his nature, and denominate the sentiment as 
love. So many women mistake gallantry for sen- 
timent.” 

The two senators said “good night” with different 
and varied emotions, each thinking another chapter of 
domestic treason was about to be unearthed through a 


28 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


man seeking a foreign mission. A Western senator loved 
the golden widow, an Eastern senator loved the poetic 
wife, but fate favored neither in their desired home 
mission. 

“The blind sisters three 
Weave the web of destiny.’ * 


CHAPTER VI. 

The following morning Senator Braintree called at an 
early hour upon Colonel Gilroy, and, as he expected, he 
found him reading of Elsa’s return to society, ‘ ‘ a bright 
and beautiful star.” 

“ Senator, is Elsa here?” was the hurried interroga- 
tion.” 

“ Yes ; I have just called to inform you of the fact.” 

“Is she aware that I am here ? ” 

“Yes, but I do not know that it induced her coming 
to Washington. ’ ’ 

“Is she pretty as ever — as pretty as the papers re- 
port ? ” 

“She is very beautiful, Jack, and as good as she 
is beautiful ; she was greatly admired last night.” 

“I wonder if it is known I am her husband ? ” 

“I fancy, Jack, she took no special trouble to inform 
her admirers that she is your wife. She wins in her own 
right. She does not reflect from your glory,” Senator 
Braintree said, in a sarcastic tone easily understood. 

“I wonder if the divorce question will get into the 
papers ? ’ ’ Colonel Gilroy asked, anxiously. 

“ There will be no divorce to report. Elsa does not 
accept the situation in that light. You will find her a 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


2 9 

stubborn fact. She has determined upon her course ; 
you will find her inflexible on every point. Her preju- 
dice against divorce is strong and sincere. She would 
prefer death infinitely to divorce. ” 

“I cannot see why she should be opposed to liberty. 
She does not care for me,” said Jack. 

“ I cannot give her reasons. I can only state my 
knowledge of the case and client, and tell you frankly 
divorce is absolutely out of the question ; and should 
you make an illegal attempt to secure a second wife 
during the life of your first, Elsa will be justice with- 
out mercy. ” 

“But, senator, what am I to do ? I am actually en- 
gaged to marry Mrs. De Foe, and am in honor bound 
to fulfil the obligation. She has through her influence 
made me rich. She has given me every available 
point to advance my future. I cannot go back of the 
obligation. You must persuade Elsa to accept the situa- 
tion. ” 

“I cannot persuade her; I have urged divorce from 
every point of view. She ought to be glad to have her 
freedom. She is too good to be your wife.” 

This style of argument evidently wounded Gilroy’s 
pride more than his feelings, but he concealed his cha- 
grin by saying, “I think if Elsa will consent to an 
interview I had better see her and talk the matter over. 
She has sense, and once she loved me.” 

“ Yes, Jack, and such love as Elsa is capable of feel- 
ing and bestowing never dies ; but what poor return 
the poor, loving, warm-hearted child received ! ” 

“I made a fool of myself,” Gilroy said, in a voice of 
contrition. “I loved her till she made me so con- 
foundedly ashamed of myself that I left her. You 
know, senator, my constitutional weakness, ‘ out of 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


3 ° 

sight, out of mind/ In my new life new faces, new 
loves, and romantic adventures led me on until I had 
nearly forgotten her claim. I have injured her through 
neglect. Six months ago she could have recalled me to 
her willingly had she written me one of her long, lov- 
ing letters, but now I am entangled ; I cannot be true 
to two women. But were I to see Elsa again I fear 
the widow would be the sufferer. I believe I would be 
madly in love with my own wife. The sight of her 
would awaken the old sentiment The touch of her 
sweet lips would be more than pleasure — it would be 
vitality. Her presence was always instruction to me, 
but I never could understand the soundless depths of 
her genius. She is divine, I am commonplace. There 
is no affinity between us, but there may be some en- 
joyment for us yet through the contagious force of 
love.” 

“Jack, you are speaking like a man ; to-day you are 
a worthy son of your father. Seek and find your wife. 
She is gentle, tender, and true. In all her years of 
bitterness and desolation I have never heard her utter a 
bitter word against you. She has been silent as the 
grave. You will find her just and generous.” 

“I will see her, but will you go with me ? ” 

“No ; it is better you should be alone.” 

“ But, senator, there is a conjugal maxim I am in- 
clined to indorse, ‘The less we are alone, the less 
likely we are to quarrel.’ ” 

“There will be no scene with Elsa. Be frank, tell 
her the truth. She will forgive sin, but not deception. 
Her loyal nature rebels against treachery. And now, 
Jack, tell me about Mrs. De Foe.” 

“ Oh, she is very nice, but I am not in love with her ! 
She does not work witchcraft in my veins. We are a 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


31 

matter-of-fact, mutual-aid affair; but she has a niece of 
whom I am very fond.” 

“Jack, will you never learn wisdom? ” 

“Probably not when there is a woman in the case. 
‘Great men are not all wise/” Jack said with a laugh. 
“A pretty woman always did influence me strongly. 
It is not my fault ; I cannot change my nature.” 

“Then, Jack, for once be influenced by a good 
woman ; be a true-hearted, honorable man in domestic 
life ; try and avoid the appearance of evil. Elsa will 
forgive and forget, she is not given to reiteration. She 
will be silent and sincere.” 

“ God be praised for that quality in a wife ! ” Jack 
said, with a happy laugh. “She deserves happiness 
for the blessed virtue. Will you arrange for me to call 
upon her at two p. m. ? I will try and make her lealize 
the law of compensation.” 

“Very well; call at the time you name, and work 
out the problem in your own way. I will see you 
both in due time and obtain the result.” 

They said au revoir after a few moments of conversa- 
tion upon general matters. 

Senator Braintree went directly to call on Elsa to 
prepare the way for Jack’s welcome. 

Elsa greeted him with evident pleasure. 

“You are kind to come so early. Your visit at this 
hour is unexpected.” 

“ The unexpected always happens. I am an em- 
bassy from Jack. He desires to call upon you at two 
p. m. to plead his own cause, ” replied Senator Braintree. 

Elsa grew pale, and trembled with emotion as she 
said slowly, “ Is it possible ? I have waited five years 
for his coming, but in my most melancholy fancies I 
never dreamed to meet in an hotel. Yet I have always 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


3 2 

felt we should meet some day. I knew not how, when, 
or where.” 

“ Do not, Elsa, take such a desolate view of this 
chance in human affairs. What difference can it make 
where you meet, if the desired result is secured? 
I do, however, think it is heroic of me to be the bearer 
of this message. ” 1 

‘‘Is he greatly changed?” Elsa asked, ignoring his 
allusion to heroism in acting the part of mutual friend. 

“ No ; he is the same old Jack. With all his failings 
he has the instincts of a gentleman ; his heart is easily 
reached ; he is wonderfully responsive for a man, and 
I have to confess I believe he will be an ardent lover 
at your shrine the hour you meet.” 

“I rejoice it is my fate to have the opportunity to 
show him by word and deed I am ready to forgive the 
past, accept the present, and trust the future without his 
taking impossible vows or making pledges only to be 
broken. I know him now; he can never disappoint 
me again. My experience will be the basis of our new 
future. ‘ I will hope much, expect little, demand noth, 
in g.' This creed is the wife’s bond of security in the 
domestic insurance of happiness.” 

“Elsa, you talk well, but there must be no false reason- 
ing on your part in this important chapter of your life. 
Let your head guide your heart, be calm, go slowly, 
make Jack respect you, and you will win a victory.” 

“I believe an hour in my destiny has come,” Elsa 
replied, “nor do I forget ‘the reward is after the race, 
the victory at the end of the struggle.’ ” 

“Gob bless you, Elsa. You have won a victory, 
but is it worth the sacrifice ? ” 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, \ 


33 


CHAPTER VII. 

At the hour appointed Elsa heard the well-remembered 
knock at the ^oor — her heart told her Jack had come. 
She gave intuitively the old style of welcome, “ Come 
in.” A moment after husband and wife stood face to 
face. For one instant they looked into each other’s 
eyes, their hearts met, reconciliation was complete ; 
both felt the contagious force of love — Elsa as only a 
woman can feel, Jack after the order of men with a 
beautiful woman in the full possession of ownership. 
He was passionately in love with his own wife, and she 
responded with equal warmth and fervor. Jack was 
proud of his easy conquest, Elsa too happy to think, 
only to enjoy the happy fact they were to commence 
a New Year for eternity under a new bond. 

“Am I still your queen?” Elsa asked, assured of 
her answer. 

“Yes, and you are my kingdom of heaven. Two 
hearts when united by bonds of love can never be sepa- 
rated,” Jack said, with as much earnestness as though 
he had never made the attempt. “ I am more deeply 
in love with you to-day than I have ever been before.” 

“ I see that you are,” Elsa said, with a happy smile. 

“ But do you not feel it ? ” Jack asked, ardently. 

“You are mine to-day, but to-morrow another face 
will win your admiration, and other ears listen to your 
words of devotion, under favorable conditions ; but to- 
day is my golden day of victory, the universal language 
understood by all men fills my soul, and we must enjoy 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


34 

to the fullest extent the poetry of life, then return to the 
prose. I love romance, but we must plan for reality,” 
Elsa said, pleasantly. 

For hours they talked as only lovers can talk. Both 
were oblivious to time, until the shadows lengthened 
and night succeeded day. 

“Jack, we have neither of us known the midnight of 
the soul through love, but I have been in the twilight 
so long, this hour seems propitious for us to speak of a 
subject we cannot ignore. Let us meet it now, then 
bury it forever. Tell me the true story.” 

There alone in the twilight he told his past, then 
spoke of future aspirations, his desire to reach “the 
heights,” but shrank from speaking of the pending 
divorce case. 

“Now, Jack, tell me about the rival I have to over- 
come.” 

“You have no rival, Elsa ; you alone fill my heart. 
You will not only be my future, but my religion.” 

“New converts are always ardent,” Elsa said ; “ but 
tell me of the lady who is willing to marry another 
woman’s husband. I am really curious to hear of the 
Mormon, and would like to see her.” 

“ Elsa, it is useless in the face of facts to deny I have 
been willing to break marriage vows, and have sought 
legal separation, and even now am under obligations to 
a lady who has some claim upon me, and is too rich to 
be bought off.” 

“But the law is the same to rich or poor, when prop- 
erly applied. The law is stronger than woman’s will 
or man’s obligation, and stands between you and your 
would-be wife, and both must bow in obedience to a 
higher law than human passion or desire. I presume 
Senator Braintree has informed you there is no possi- 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


35 

bility of divorce for you until I am lost to you forever, 
through God’s will, not man’s desire.” 

“You are a mystery to me,” Jack said, earnestly. 

You are weak and strong. You seem to possess a 
duality of nature. It is the gift of genius, I suppose ; 
but such sweetness of disposition, such force of char- 
acter, I have never supposed could be united in one 
life. I am proud to find it in my wife.” 

“Now, Jack, let me catechise you,” Elsa said, 
playfully, “and, remember, you must answer “ ? pon 
honor/ Is Mrs. De*Foe in Washington? ” 

“She is at the Arlington.” 

“ Is she pretty ? ” 

“No.” 

“ Is she attractive ? ” 

“Tolerably so. She has great wealth.” 

“ Is she educated? ” 

“Moderately well, not highly cultivated.” 

“ Do you love her ? ” 

“ Not half so much as I do you.” 

“ Does she love you ? ” 

“ She does me the honor to profess, but I accept 
with allowance.” 

“Is she the only one in whom you are specially in- 
terested ? ” 

“I never make a memorandum. I enjoy and for- 
get. I never repeat. You will recognize by this 
quality that vanity is not one of my faults.” 

“ Will the divorce suit be dismissed ? ” 

“Yes. The renewal of my allegiance to you is for- 
ever, and makes divorce a memory — one of the memo- 
ries I will gladly forget, and in order to forget, we will 
ignore with religious care. Now, Elsa, may I make a 
few interrogations ? ” 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


36 

“Yes, as many as you desire.” 

“ Do you love the old senator? ” 

“Yes, devotedly.” 

“ I suppose he reciprocates ? ” 

“Yes, he loves me; besides, he is a true friend.” 

“ Does he not believe in the legality of divorce?” 
“Yes; he advised me to accept my liberty, but he 
will be very glad to have us reunited. He entertains 
grave fears regarding the wisdom of the act, however, 
and believes greater unhappiness will be the outcome ; 
and it is his earnest desire to shield me from further 
sorrow. ” 

“We will show him that his fears are groundless. I 
hope he will help me to extricate myself from the com- 
plication I am involved in without scandal.” 

“He will ; and if Mrs. De Foe is a good woman we 
must all spare her feelings, and save her from any 
humiliation in our power. Is she sensitive ? ” 

“ Not particularly so. She is very practical, not in 
the least poetical. I believe, Fdsa, if you would only 
try, you could win her through your sweetness, and 
avoid all gossip. She has sterling common-sense ; she 
will comprehend, if she fails to appreciate, and that is 
half the battle won in social or domestic warfare. You 
are a fair diplomat, filled with wisdom, but I fear your 
love is not so ardent as mine ; but I can only say, 
whether it be love or some other sentiment, you exer- 
cise a charm, an irresistible spell I cannot withstand. 
I pray God it may be permanent ! ” 

“ The charm will only be broken when you resist my 
influence or when we are absent one from the other. 
We will not expect too much divinity, for we are very 
human. We will remember ‘ words are the leaves, but 
deeds the fruit of life/ and by our deeds we must be 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


37 


judged. I know your erratic nature. I wish no pledges 
or irredeemable promises ; but try, dear Jack, to cen- 
tralize your deeds upon the pivot of respectability. ” 

“I have no doubt, Elsa, of my faithfulness to you 
when we are together. You must not be too inquisitive 
regarding my morals, or keep yourself in a chronic state 
of excitement over my lady friends ; for it will be 
‘love’s labor lost.' I am what I am, and have no 
reason to expect my nature will change, even under the 
sweet influence of my charming wife.” 

“Jack, try and disguise your failings. Cover all 
your tracks through illicit grounds, and never forget you 
are a gentleman in honor bound to observe conven- 
tional forms of good society, and never to compromise 
your wife’s honor by making her conscious of infidelity.” 

“I think we understand each other now,” Jack re- 
plied. 

“Thoroughly,” Elsa said, with emphasis. 

Jack accepted Elsa’s diplomacy when she suggested 
that he should return to the Arlington and be with Mrs. 
De Foe at an appointed hour, when she would send 
him a letter which would speak for itself in a manner to 
be understood, and if all parties concerned therein 
showed wisdom, would be accepted without protest. 

From that hour new warp and woof was woven into 
her web of destiny. The great sorrow of her life was 
back of her, and new hopes led her on. She had con- 
quered self, she had risen above the demands of her 
longing heart, and made her head judge, her common- 
sense jury, and with the courage of a true woman she 
awaited the verdict. 


38 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT 


CHAPTER VIII. 

In a handsome private parlor at the Arlington Mrs. 
De Foe awaited the return of Colonel Gilroy. She was 
a handsome woman, a brunette with flashing eyes, de- 
termined lips, indicating a conqueror. She had the ap- 
pearance of an impulsive, high temper. She knew 
nothing of diplomacy or concealment. She had been 
reared in poverty, and knew nothing of the refinements 
of life in childhood ; married a struggling young miner ; 
she bore the hardship of pioneer life courageously, and 
in the end realized immense wealth. The endowment 
did not increase her acquirements, but awakened an 
ardent desire to become acquainted with society and its 
refinements. She knew nothing of the poetry of life or 
sentiment of romance until fate crossed her path, five 
years before, in the shadow of Colonel Gilroy. He be- 
came her mentor in literature and etiquette, and inspired 
the feminine art to please. His interest in her was gen- 
uine. She appreciated at first, then loved the man, 
whom she regarded as infinitely her superior in every- 
thing but wealth. In return, she made his fortune 
through her ways and means to acquire knowledge. 

She knew he had been married, but believed that he 
was separated from his wife. She had no prejudice 
against divorce, and regarded his a foregone conclusion 
whenever he would take the trouble to ask for the de- 
cree. She did not urge the matter during the life of her 
husband, but after his death she dreamed of but one 
future. She knew little of the sentiments of high moral 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT , ; 


39 

life or the sensibilities of true morality. Her convictions 
were not strong-, and her conscience easily quieted under 
the influence of passionate love. She was not of an in- 
quisitive nature unless aroused by jealousy. She had 
but one expectation after the allotted time for mourning, 
although other suitors Would have gladly entered the 
contest ; but her heart was impregnable, fortified by a 
higher power than wealth — ambition. She aspired to go 
abroad under favorable auspices, and urged a consulship 
as the agme of her ambition. This desire had been en- 
gendered and increased through the influence of Miss 
Natalie De Foe, a niece of her husband, who was then 
visiting her aunt from Dunkirk, France. Miss Natalie 
was young, beautiful, and attractive, highly accom- 
plished, and with vivacity of manner and brilliant con- 
versational powers, making her a magnet in society. 
She was not rich, but her aunt was generous, and made 
her unconscious of limited income. They were friends 
until it was revealed beyond doubt the niece was a rival 
of the aunt — that Colonel Gilroy admired the beautiful 
French girl too ardently to be entirely loyal to one who 
claimed his highest devotion. 

The foreign mission was urged, also a divorce from 
his wife, and separation from Natalie. In view of these 
desirable results, a winter in Washington was planned. 
On this particular evening Mrs. De Foe impatiently 
awaited Colonel Gilroy's return. His unexplained delay 
alarmed her, and her alarm was confirmed when he 
entered her parlor, for he looked anxious and preoccu- 
pied as he threw himself on the sofa with a heavy sigh. 

“What is the matter? ” she asked, eagerly. 

* 1 Matter enough, ” he replied, almost savagely. ‘ ‘ My 
wife is in Washington. She is to defend the divorce 
suit, and there will be no end of scandal." 


40 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


“But she can be quieted, she can be bought off 1 
Mrs. De Foe said, with assurance. 

“No, no; she is uncompromising and absolute in 
her determination.” 

“ But why is she aroused ? You have always assured 
me she was entirely indifferent ; and surely she has not 
shown much anxiety about you or your affairs.” 

“When she knew your husband was alive, she had 
nothing to fear ; but now affairs are changed, and she 
is on the war-path.” 

At that moment a knock at the door was heard ; a 
messenger delivered the following letter to Colonel 
Gilroy : 

“Ebbitt House, Friday Evening. 

“Dear Jack: Doubtless you will be surprised to know I am in 
Washington, but I hope pleasure will follow. I came here to consult 
Senator Braintree regarding your intended divorce suit, and to in- 
struct him to resist your application at every point. We can never be 
legally separated. Accept this as a fixed fact, and be governed in your 
acts accordingly ; it will spare a woman deserving better fate much 
sorrow. I am informed your friend, Mrs. De Foe, is an eminently 
respectable lady, one of position and wealth, one fitted to adorn the 
best circle of society. She has been unfortunate enough to become 
engaged to marry you upon the supposition you were an unmarried 
man, and will be justly indignant when she knows to the contrary. 
She will condemn you — perhaps despise you in her heart; but I pre- 
sume she has sufficient pride to accept the inevitable gracefully, and 
thank God the revelation was made known before too late to be party 
of a criminal act to ruin her name and fame, an act wealth or position 
cannot conceal. I can never consent to remain quiet and have such a 
sin perpetrated. You have wounded my pride, but the wrong I have 
endured is nothing compared with the wrong you desire to inflict upon 
this innocent woman. I hope she is good and great enough to forgive 
you; if so, she will be my friend forever. Besides, I am informed by 
one who knows that a United States Senator seeks to make her his 
wife, but has been deterred from making a proposition of marriage, 
believing in the law of honor existing between gentlemen regarding 
wives and sweathearts. You will see by this that you have inflicted 


a social Diplomat. 


4 1 

a double injury ; but both may be averted by discreet action on the 
part of all concerned. The basis of the whole matter is, there is no 
proposition you can make that I will accept or consider but the one of 
immediate reunion with your own wife. You are aware there are no 
half measures in my character, and it will be wise on your part to con- 
ciliate two women whom you have wronged by acting an honorable 
part without hesitation . ‘ Fear not, faint not, falter not,’ is the motto 

for you to follow. You are in a position to recognize the justice of 
my demand, and so far as it is in your power to make atonement, you 
must do it to retain the respect of the lady and the love of your wife, 

Elsa Gilroy. 

“I will receive you at 12 m. to-morrow, and will be pleased to have 
Mrs. De Foe call upon me at her pleasure. Elsa.” 


CHAPTER X. 

Colonel Gilroy read Elsa's letter, and taking- one of 
his visiting cards returned it by the messenger with the 
following words : “ Will call to-morrow, twelve m." 

“ Who is that letter from ? " Mrs. De Foe asked, im- 
patiently. 

“ You can read it if you desire information," Gilroy 
said, in a hard tone, as he handed the innocent looking 
missile, which proved heavy artillery in effect. 

A letter is often like a shell sent forth, bursting with 
deadly results where least expected. Gilroy had experi- 
ence enough to brace up to meet the domestic shock 
from a defensive standpoint, but to his utter amaze- 
ment calm instead of tempest possessed Mrs. De Foe, 
so far as words were concerned, but with pallid lips and 
figure trembling with emotion, she said, slowly : 

“ Why have you deceived me regarding your wife? ” 

“ I was deceived myself," replied Jack, “ I did not 
suppose she cared a straw for me, for she has given no 


42 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


sign for over five years, but now that she has, it will 
have to be respected. She is a woman of great courage, 
a living force of results when she is fully aroused.” 

4 ‘She is a woman of sense,” Mrs. De Foe replied ; 
nor was she able to disguise that the opinion Mrs. Gilroy 
had expressed in the letter was agreeable and appre- 
ciated ; “ but, Jack, you have treated me very badly. I 
have been a good friend to you and this is my com- 
pensation. v A flood of tears closed the sentence 
with a sob, followed by words that touched Jack Gil- 
roy's heart more than he dared admit. “ Go back to 
your wife,” she continued, “ her claim is better than 
mine. You are rich enough now to enjoy the honor of 
her love, and will easily forget me, and my regrets will 
be few as hers have been in the past. ” 

Gilroy fully realized he could not please two women ; 
he must choose between them. He felt he was in the 
entanglements of dishonor, but, true to his nature, he 
trusted to “luck ” to untangle the web of complication. 
He was more embarrassed than if reproaches had been 
showered upon him ; he could not understand Mrs. De 
Foe’s passive acceptance ; he was pained to see her 
tears, but surprised when she calmly said : “ It is ended 
between us. Our path in life will be separated. You 
must go your way, I will go mine. We will not quar- 
rel. You have been kind to me, and I appreciate it all, 
and do not find it in my heart to condemn you for my 
present unhappiness. We will forget ! ” 

Colonel Gilroy attempted to offer words of consola- 
tion, but with a gesture of impatience, she said, sharply : 
“ Do not talk to me now, I beg you to leave me alone 
with my sorrow.” 

“ No, I am to remain until we understand the situa- 
tion,” he replied. “ There is but one thing for me to 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


43 


do. A wife is a forcible argument to enforce pro- 
prieties ; there must be no scene. We must avoid 
scandal.” 

“Do not distress yourself; there will be no scene. 
I will’ be as dignified as ladies in refined society are. I 
shall not disappoint your wife in the high estimate she has 
awarded me. I shall see her, but I must say I think it 
rather late in the chapter to introduce this new char- 
acter.” 

For an hour longer they talked of the future, then 
parted as lovers forever. 

At the appointed hour Elsa received her husband with 
easy, graceful dignity, and listened eagerly as he said : 
“ From this hour, Elsa, life is real. I am your reality. 
Your diplomacy won Mrs. De Foe’s favor and has set- 
tled the business.^ She gave me up like a hero. Some- 
how it seemed almost too easily accomplished. I fancy 
she found consolation in the Wheelock balm you so 
sweetly offered to her wounded heart. I hope you will 
be kind to her, and through your diplomatic art, make 
her the wife of the old senator in compensation for her 
loss. ” 

“ I do not fancy, Jack, she considers her loss irrepa- 
rable. She will be easily consoled.” 

“ I have been very weak, but there are many exten- 
uating circumstances to plead for me.” 

“ Yes, Jack, but you should never compromise 
honor ; the price is too great.” 

At that moment Mrs. De Foe’s card was handed to 
Mrs. Gilroy. 

“ You must go now, Jack, but come and dine with 
me this evening. I do not suppose you care to meet 
Mrs. De Foe? ” 


44 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


“ No ; I beg to be excused in this early stage of the 
game. She will recognize ‘ The Wife’s Victory ’ in- 
stead of ‘The Wedding March.’ and I am not quite 
ready to face the music. Au revoir” he said, gayly, as 
he made his hurried departure. 

Mrs. Gilroy received Mrs. De Foe with cordial polite- 
ness, asked her to waive ceremony and go to her parlor 
to spend the morning. “ We can converse there unin- 
terruptedly. Our topic is not public.” 

“ I have a desire to explain my position to you 
freely,” Mrs. De Foe replied, “and gladly avail myself 
of the present opportunity.” 

They went to Mrs. Gilroy’s parlor with the easy 
familiarity of old acquaintances. They spoke of 
general topics for a few moments. Then Mrs. De Foe 
introduced the subject near and dear to both hearts. 

“ I read your letter to Colonel Gilroy. I value your 
good opinion of me and desire to maintain it by assur- 
ing you I have been more deceived than deceiving, in 
this unhappy affair.” 

“ I believe you implicitly. I attach no blame to you. 

I know my husband’s weakness and his matrimonial 
offences, but am willing to condone — to ignore the past 
and make a new future. He has been with me this 
morning. We have decided upon our plans.” 

“I, too, shall ignore the past,” Mrs. De Foe said, 
proudly, “and make a new future.” 

“ Yes, and a brilliant future to secure honor and hap- 
piness. You have wealth and beauty — both powerful 
auxiliaries. ” 

“ Wealth is mine but I do not claim beauty. I pre- 
sume if I marry my position will be assured. ” 

“ Yes ; I am told a senator stands not only willing 
but waiting to make you his wife.” 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


45 

“ I cannot imagine to whom you refer,” Mrs. De Foe 
said, in a tone inviting the desired information. 

“ I am told Senator Wheelock aspires to the honor. 
Will his aspirations be fruitless ? ” 

“ He must decide the question for himself. There 
are no obstacles to make it complicated or obscure if he 
desires to make me his wife.” 

“ I hope you will entirely forget the episode wherein 
my husband has brought unhappiness to your life.” 

“ Be assured, Mrs. Gilroy, the past will soon be a 
memory. You will never find a rival in me ; the sacri- 
fice is complete without reservation. There are no half 
measures with me, when my pride is wounded and I 
have sufficient left to crush every other sentiment,” 
Mrs. De Foe said, with earnestness. 

The two ladies parted without the slightest ill feeling, 
with the promise to see each other again at an early day. 

“ I wonder if her loss is my gain,” Elsa asked, when 
she found herself alone, but the question remained un- 
answered. 


CHAPTER XI. 

The following evening Senator Braintree called to 
hear the latest report of a remarkable case of social 
diplomacy. 

“ Did you both tell all you knew ? ” he asked, after 
having listened to the conference between wife and 
widow. 

“ Oh, no, ‘reserved knowledge is reserved strength.’ 
By tacit consent we passed over the unpleasant pas- 
sages. We indulged in generalities. There was no 
conflict of opinion. I do not discover there is much 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


46 

sentiment on the part of either, and the evident willing- 
ness exhibited to accept the situation without protest 
indicates very little strength of affection. ” 

“She may have strong convictions like yourself, and 
be able to make heroic sacrifices upon the plane of 
duty,” Senator Braintree said, with a quizzical look. 

“ My opinion is she is quite thoroughly convinced 
she will console herself by accepting senatorial honors. 
Such a step in the social ladder of calculations leads 
men and women to hold strong convictions, and make 
many sacrifices to reach the desired goal.” 

“I know one little lady,” he replied, “who refused 
every overture in that direction, and threw away her 
chances of happiness for an idea. I pray God she may 
never be made to regret her convictions regarding duty 
were so positive ; but should she repent the mantle of 
protection shall be her panoply. She will not be able to 
disguise her regrets, for as a fraud she is worthless.” 

“ But if we are on a foreign mission your opportuni- 
ties will be abridged in making discoveries. You will 
have to accept my version of affairs, and it will be my 
policy to make life rose-colored through my letters.” 

“ Yes, Elsa, but letters are heart-talkers. I can read 
your heart like an open book through the medium of 
your pen. But, really, do you favor a foreign mis- 
sion ? ” 

“ Yes, we had best be with strangers for a few years. 
I do not seek St. James’s Court. A third or fourth- rate 
position will be the height of Jack’s attainments. You 
know he is not remarkable for sagacity or diplo- 
macy. ” 

“But you can give him the benefit of your influ- 
ence,” Senator Braintree said. “Your intuitive knowl- 
edge is great, your tact marvellous. You can make 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


47 


Gilroy a success — he has confidence in your power and 
will appreciate your diplomacy. ” 

“ Confidence is a commodity at market value in his 
life, but what I wish for I work for, and since I have 
again taken him into my life for better or for worse, I 
intend to make him eminently respectable. ” 

“ I wish you success ; but what disposition are you 
to make of Mrs. De Foe? I am curious to know where 
you are to relegate her with her matrimonial and official 
aspirations. ” 

“ A husband will be her reward,” Elsa said with a 
smile, “ one higher in the social ladder than Jack. She 
is in just the state of mind when a woman needs occu- 
pation, and a husband will fill her life with care if not 
happiness. I consign her to Senator Wheelock, he will 
be compensation.” 

“ But will they agree to the disposal you are pleased 
to make of the middle-aged aspirants for wedlock ? ” 

“ That is to be decided. You must help me. With 
the combination we have it is safe to assume results will 
be obtained.” 

(t You are a great diplomat, Elsa, but you seem defi- 
cient in love. You seem to regard marriage as a bus- 
iness transaction.” 

“So it is — the greatest transaction of human life. 
But there are men and women who do not by nature or 
practice demand the tenderness of love. To such avail- 
ability and respectability should be sought ; such natures 
have more jealousy than love.” 

“But, Elsa, who can separate jealousy from love? 
A person must love to be jealous, or so we are taught 
to believe.” 

“I can analyze love,” Elsa replied, “but not jeal- 
ousy. It is possible I do not love sufficiently well to 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


43 

know the sentiment. I do not moralize or theorize, but 
philosophize ; I seem to have sacrificed my finer sensi- 
bilities. I have been the victim of domestic treason, 
but I demand, nevertheless, that conventional forms 
shall be observed, and the appearance of respectability 
maintained, whether it be genuine or false. I shall 
never be jealous of Jack. My pride has been wounded 
more than my heart ; he can never hurt my feelings 
again.” 

“ You are a wonderful woman, Elsa/’ 

“ No, a common-sense woman made practical through 
the heart. I could love. I am capable of great affec- 
tion ; but did you ever think, senator, that love is ‘ the 
poison of life/ to waste the heart and wear the body ? 
Still there is a remedy for disappointed love, an anodyne 
for neglect. The application may be severe, but the re- 
sult is effectual. I have demonstrated the power.” 

“Tell me the curative, Elsa.” 

“ Indifference ! ” 

“A word, my dear child, easily pronounced but not 
easily applied. ” 

At that moment Colonel Gilroy entered and received 
welcome. Elsa left the gentlemen alone to speak to her 
maid, but in fact to make opportunity for them to speak 
with each other alone regarding personal affairs. 

“ I leave for the West, to-night, senator ; you must 
look after Elsa and the foreign mission for me,” Colonel 
Gilroy said, with an air of confidence. 

“Does Mrs. De Foe return to the West with you, 
Jack ? ” 

“ Oh, no, I am no longer on escort duty. I go back 
to look after some personal affairs. We have dissolved 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


49 

partnership, and some changes are necessarily involved 
before I leave for Europe/' 

“You have acted wisely, Jack, and I trust you will 
continue to do so. Never deceive Elsa ; she will be 
your truest friend/’ 

“She helped me wonderfully in breaking with Mrs. 
De Foe. She made the case so plain no lawyer was 
necessary, for there was no point left for argument ; be- 
sides, she reached the madam by a few well-chosen 
words of praise that struck home ; but the climax was 
in offering old Wheelock by way of compensation. When 
Mrs. De Foe made me her chosen knight, he had not 
won his senatorial honor, but now he is worthy of her 
steel, and she is welcome to her conquest." 

“Was she much surprised at the denouement of affairs ? ” 

“Apparently not. Elsa's praise made her respect her 
opponent ; besides, I made a point in the game by tell- 
ing Mrs. De Foe Elsa was a whole orchestra of possi- 
bilities when defending honor. There has been a wheel 
within a wheel the past two months in our domestic 
machinery in the Western home, a disturbing influence 
in the form of a mighty pretty French girl, a niece of 
the late Mr. De Foe, who is visiting her aunt. She has 
greatly interested me, and it seems the aunt is more 
than half jealous of the niece ; but under my careful 
manipulation a domestic cyclone was averted ; it was 
plainly manifest Mrs. De Foe has a will of her own. 
I hate arguments and scenes, and that outburst of tem- 
per on her part reconciled me to a foreign mission or a 
transfer to old Wheelock. You will see by this con- 
fession everything was propitious for the present state 
of affairs. " 

“ Will you see the niece on this Western trip?” 


50 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


“ Probably, for she is at the home of Mrs. De Foe. I 
believe, however, she is to return to France as soon as 
she finds suitable escort. ” 

“I hope, Jack, you will not volunteer for this duty,” 
the senator said, with a half smile of contempt. 

“I shall neither volunteer nor refuse. I am a non- 
resistant in the hands of ladies. I allow them to man- 
age me to suit their own caprices and whims. I have 
found from experience that any man who attempts to 
thwart a woman when under the influence of either 
loses his labor.” 

“I hope you will always treat Elsa honorably, and 
Mrs. De Foe kindly, but give other ladies a wide 
margin. ” 

“I intend to treat Mrs. De Foe with every considera- 
tion. She made my fortune for me ; but the greatest 
kindness I can do her is to leave her alone. The best 
thing for me to do is to go abroad and turn over a new 
leaf in my domestic history.” 

“ I agree with you ; there is no doubt but your ap- 
pointment will soon be sent to the Senate and quickly 
confirmed. There is no great opposition. How many 
days will you be away?” 

“Not more than ten.” 

“ I will care for Elsa. I am very proud of her. She 
will be of sterling value to you in your new life.” 

Senator Braintree said good- morning, leaving hus- 
band and wife alone to discuss the Western trip. 

That night Elsa was alone, Jack travelling with new 
ideas, new relations, toward the setting sun. 

Before leaving Washington he had privately sent a 
telegram to Miss Natalie De Foe apprising her of his 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


51 

return, and the pleasing fact that a desirable escort had 
been found to take her to Dunkirk. 

Elsa promised to write of affairs in Washington, and 
upon the whole he regarded himself an extremely for- 
tunate man under the guiding influence of three attrac- 
tive women. A poetical, charming wife to assure his 
honor, a rich widow to secure his fortune, and a beauti- 
ful girl to love. Colonel Gilroy's motto in life he 
practiced and believed, “The sure path toward moral 
restraint lies not through slavery but liberty." 

The day before his return to Washington he received 
the following letter from Elsa : 

Ebbitt House, Washington, D. C. 

“My dear Jack: Yesterday I received the enclosed note from 
Senator Braintree : 

“Senate Chamber, 5 p. m. 

“My dear Elsa: Jack’s appointment is confirmed. I give you 
my best wishes j with the earnest hope you may find your new life 
agreeable, and to the fullest extent realize all your anticipations. 

“Your sincere friend, 

“T. H. Braintree.” 

“ The day after your departure I called on Mrs. De Foe. We drove 
to the Soldiers’ Home, then went to the Capitol. .We sent our cards 
to Senator Braintree. He went to Senator Wheelock’s seat, held a 
conference, both looked pleased and showed much alacrity in reaching 
the gallery. The widow was armed with attraction and was really 
very captivating. We gave her every opportunity, for it was evident 
the senator was susceptible to her charms. Our lunch with them was 
very delightful. In appreciation of the pleasure, I invited both to 
dine with me the next evening and arranged for Senator Wheelock to 
bring Mrs. De Foe (as she is now without escort). He showed his ap- 
preciation of the honor conferred by sending us each an elegant bas- 
ket of flowers, with his card in bold relief, as if proud of the honor. 
Our dinner was a private affair in my parlor. The old senator ad- 
mires you at a distance and fully approves of a foreign mission, for he 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


52 

is intent upon a home mission. My opinion is they will be married 
before the close of the session. She will return home a willing bride, 
under favorable conditions for honor and happiness. 

“I shall be ready to accompany you as soon as it is necessary for 
you to leave. 

“Yours, faithfully, 

“ Elsa.” 

Elsa sent a long letter to Senator Braintree in reply to 
his note announcing Jack’s confirmation : 

‘ ‘ Thanks, dear senator, for your devotion and good wishes. I ap- 
preciate both. I also appreciate that alienation from a husband with 
or without cause is always disastrous to a loving, gentle woman. I 
have temporized long enough and find rest in action. An extraordi- 
nary animation is discernible in my life. A feverish energy sustains me, 
and the sweet approval of conscience is my support. Ah, senator, it 
is so much easier to think of the past than of the future, to remember 
what I have been than to resolve what I will be. How true it is the 
most heterogeneous and complex sentiments may at the same time 
exist in the human heart and control action. I have not conceit enough 
to flatter myself Jack will be true, for you know inconstancy is his be- 
setting sin, but I do know he can never humiliate me as he has. There 
were neglects and wounds deeper than serpent’s sting, and broken 
promises that turned all the arden-t love of early wedlock to hate, yet 
neither one nor all of those wrongs is sufficient to constitute a moral 
or legal excuse for a wife to leave her husband. In our new life we will 
pass for a moderately happy, conjugal pair. I do not even feel re- 
sentment for the past, or curiosity regarding the future, so far as any 
female is concerned. The poison of regret is eradicated from my 
nature. You, dear senator, are my friend, my hero, my romance. I 
have loved you from childhood and shall forever with my tenderest, 
my holiest affection. 

“ Elsa.” 

The day Elsa wrote Jack she received the following 
note from him : 

“My dear Elsa: lam en route to Washington. Will be with 
you to-morrow night. My business affairs in the West are all favorably 
adjusted. I am truly grateful for Braintree’s interest in my appoint. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


53 


ment, and well pleased with the result. A young lady has been 
placed under my care to deliver to her friends in France. She is pretty 
and agreeable, and is a wonderful aid to me in speaking French and 
German. Her society is really very valuable at present, and I am 
only too glad to utilize her knowledge in my own advancement and your 
pleasure. She is bright, vivacious, talented and refined. She will 
not join us until the day we sail, but like a dutiful husband I make 
you aware of the intention without delay. In this instance there is no 
objection. She is not a discontented wife seeking new fields of glory, 
nor a desolate widow seeking new conquests, nor a belated maiden. 
Her only weakness is she is fond of me and I reciprocate. She is ar- 
dent and impulsive, but all her impulses are sweet and true. 

“Hoping to see you soon, I am always, your 

“Jack.” 


CHAPTER XII. 

Colonel Gilroy returned to Washington, evidently 
pleased with himself, his wife, and his appointment. 
Elsa detailed the episodes of her social life, and gave 
full report of Mrs. De Foe’s matrimonial enterprise. 

“How does she accept the situation ? ” he asked, 
quizzically. 

“She is well satisfied. Evidently she prefers a 
widower for a husband than the husband of another 
wife, and a senator seems to stand much higher in her 
official calendar than a foreign minister,” Elsa said, 
with an amused smile, as she watched the effect of her 
words. 

“ I am glad she is so philosophical. Since she is so 
well pleased I will destroy the evidence of former 
attachment, for Fate has interposed and made me faith- 
ful to my first love, I called on my lawyer, and gave 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


54 

him the sequel of the impending divorce, and fixed 
things up in the matrimonial market to leave the country 
without fear of a Nemesi's on my track. I have the MS. 
of the comedy, and have captured all the papers in the 
case. ” 

For more than an hour husband and wife talked of 
their future plans and preparations for their departure. 

“By the way, Jack, who is this Natalie De Foe that 
you are to escort across the water ? ” asked Elsa, at a 
lull in the conversation. 

“ She is a niece of Mrs. De Foe, and a very interesting 
French woman, whom I admire very much.” 

“ I hear she has a history,” his wife continued. 

“Yes, I believe so; nearly every pretty woman has 
more or less experience in heart history.” 

“She seems to have had more than others,” Elsa 
suggested. 

“Yes,” Jack replied, with a laugh ; “but you need 
not fear anything from her. She is a charming young 
woman, and I am sure you will like her. ” 

The next four days were devoted by Elsa and Jack in 
preparing for their new post. On the ensuing Friday 
husband and wife, accompanied by Senator Braintree, 
left Washington for New York to take the steamer on 
the following day. 

Arriving in New York, Natalie De Foe was placed 
under Colonel Gilroy’s escort to return to Dunkirk, 
France. Senator Braintree disapproved of Jack’s pro- 
tegee. “Trouble will only result from this,” said he to 
Elsa ; but the latter remained silent. 

“Elsa,” the senator said, tenderly, as he looked into 
her troubled eyes when they were about to part, “you 
Imow rpan is woman’s truest friend ; you know I cap 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


55 


be trusted ; I fear, my dear child, there is a heavy cross 
for you to bear alone; you must write me everything.” 

‘'I will, ” Elsa said, earnestly ; “you will be my only 
confidant; you know my heart; you can judge my 
motive. I feel that I can endure, for love has ceased. 
My idol was broken years ago. Recently I have 
cemented the cherished pieces with friendship that I 
trust will support any strain.” 

“Do not hope too much, expect little, and demand 
nothing; but under all conditions trust in me.” 

They said no more ; they parted in silence and tears 
— Elsa to enter on her new mission, the senator to 
“watch and wait.” 

Three weeks had passed since Elsa’s departure from 
America, when Senator Braintree received the first letter 
from her. After speaking of the pleasant weather they 
had been favored with, and other incidental things, Elsa 
wrote : 

“ Our trip was agreeable enough, but not entirely to my satisfac- 
tion. The young woman placed under Jack’s care — received it. 
You know his care means devotion, especially if the woman be pretty 
and another man’s wife. I was not particularly attracted to Natalie, 
but she is very pretty, intelligent, and stylish. She has great viva- 
city of manner. She is a fine conversationalist ; she talks with her 
eyes and hands as well as her mouth, and her words are sufficiently 
interesting to make men listen, and women watch. She is possessed 
of elements and of the type to make men, if prudent, beware ; with 
just perceptible wickedness enough to make her interesting and dan- 
gerous. She is extremely liberal in her manner, nevertheless very 
charming, an innocent sort of a way, with an interrogation point 
in her eyes that is really winning. I do not think she is entirely 
within nor entirely without the pale of goodness, but to me she seems 
one of the number to lead men into temptation — not for love, but an 
object. I shall not take upon me the part of ‘ Husband Protector, ’ 
but be an ‘ eternal vigilance committee ’ to maintain respectability. 
Poor Jack ! He is so careless of his reputation, my duties will be 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


56 

doubly arduous in his behalf. I am of the opinion we shall be con- 
tented in our new home — the first impressions are agreeable. I be- 
lieve they will be lasting. 

“I shall meet all the requirements of my social position, but I am 
not in the least dependent on general society for my happiness. I do 
not care for social intercourse with uninteresting people, even though 
they be exalted and endowed with wealth. I have a keen faculty for 
enjoying the good and beautiful, and great appreciation for talent 
wherever found. Luxury or creature comforts are not requisite for 
my happiness at home or abroad ; but I do require a few refined and 
intelligent people to make my life agreeable. . . . Jack seems well 
pleased, and is fully occupied. He desires me to remember him to 
you with kindest regards. With my truest affection, Elsa.” 


CHAPTER XIII. 

Three years passed without much change. Elsa was 
domesticated in her new surroundings, and her greatest 
delight and happiness was realized through her pen. 
She was not inquisitive, and Jack gave her no cause for 
apprehension regarding his morals. She knew Natalie 
De Foe was a romance in his life, but she believed it 
ended when she left for her home in Dunkirk ; but with 
her return to Desireland there was vitality on the part of 
both, and without any regard to her wishes she was an 
invited guest to the Legation. When she knew this 
questionable action could not be averted, Elsa made a 
few direct interrogations, and she believed Jack 
answered truthfully. 

“ Yes, I have asked her here. She is useful to me. I 
don’t care a rap for her personally. There is no senti- 
ment between us, but her knowledge of language makes 
her a desirable acquisition from a diplomatic point of 
view. ” 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


57 

“ Then if she is only essential .in that capacity, why 
not define her duties and make her your amanuensis ? ” 
Elsa asked. 

“ That is a proposition to be utilized and accepted 
without protest,” Jack said, with a smile. 

“ I know the position is a sinecure, but it will relieve 
me of responsibility. I will not have to pose as hostess 
or apologize for her presence ; but remember, Jack, my 
eye is upon you, and conventional forms must be 
observed and society not offended. I would not have 
her domesticated here as a friend ; but if she can afford 
to be a clerk I do not object, since I cannot prevent.” 

“ I appreciate your diplomacy, Elsa, but I must con- 
fess I do not understand you.” 

“You never were able to appreciate or understand 
me, but you do understand the position you occupy, 
and it must be respected. The moment there is gossip 
there is disgrace ; and the least said on the subject ot 
your newly incorporated attache the better for all con- 
cerned. She can have her private apartments, table, 
and servant, but we must be distinctively independent 
of each other. I do not like her. At first I was tempted 
to believe she was an almost unfledged birdling away 
from the home nest for the first time, she was so timid 
and confiding, apparently unsophisticated and un- 
acquainted with the ways of the world ; but I soon 
found that she possessed duality of character. She is 
not what she seems. It is not unconsciousness on her 
part that makes her so self-possessed, but experience. 
You know when the mask was removed, when conceal- 
ment was impossible, and denial vain. You know 
when I rose to the high moral plane of indifference and 
made my frigid presence felt ; but she cares little for 


5 8 A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 

frigid or temperate atmosphere in her torrid attachment.” 

“ Elsa, I am sorry you feel as you do,” replied Jack. 

“ I had hoped you would not make yourself unhappy, 
but find pleasure in your new life, independent of my 
faults. I am very proud of you. A lady for a wife is 
an indispensable factor in the life of a public man, and 
often gives him character for virtues and acquirements he 
does not possess. You are the greatest acquisition in 
my new life, but you are fully interested in your own 
thoughts and creations — your ways are not mine. We 
must learn to adapt ourselves to circumstances, and not 
show our hearts. ” 

“Yes, Jack, but you show your hand. You are not 
discreet. I am willing to be deaf and blind to all your 
faults, but the rules and regulations governing our 
lives socially and officially must be observed. You 
must avoid the appearance of evil. As for myself, I 
have found agreeable society, and the novelty of my 
changed life is pleasing, and the surroundings of my 
home all that can be desired excepting ‘ my cross/ 
Still, I fill social and official requirements to my own 
satisfaction — not for any real pleasure to myself, but for 
your honor.” 

“ I know the sacrifice you made, and expected regrets 
would follow. I believe your heart is in America ; that 
Senator Braintree is the love of your life. I may be of 
your mind, but not of your heart. ” 

“I never crystallize my thoughts into words on this 
subject,” Elsa replied, coldly, “for complaint avails 
little where remedy is denied. ” 

“We will not discuss our thoughts or emotions,” 
Jack said, kindly. “I have a great moral respect for 
your opinion. Your words and deeds are an incentive 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


59 


to my pride and stimulus to my ambition to be regarded 
worthy of your husband. The arrangement I have 
made regarding Natalie will be only temporary. I think 
much more of your happiness than her pleasure.” 

The next week- found the female attache duly in- 
stalled at the Legation, and apparently occupying her 
time in an agreeable manner in a charming little bou- 
doir out of the “minister’s cabinet,” in the capacity of 
private secretary ; and after a little time the friction of 
her presence was not visible. Still Colonel Gilroy was 
doubtful of the propriety, and was very solicitous regard- 
ing Senator Braintree’s opinion. 

“I suppose, Elsa, you keep the senator informed of 
our domestic, social, and official life from the proper 
point of view?” Jack asked, inquiringly. 

“I do not tell all I know; ‘reserved knowledge is 
reserved strength/” Elsa replied, pleasantly. 

“Well, here is a letter for you from him. I would 
give my interest in the De Foe Gold Mine to read it, for 
no doubt it is a full and free opinion-of myself in answer 
to your last regarding my secretary.” 

“You do both him and me injustice ; we do not talk 
of your affairs as gossip. I make no revelations, but 
endure. You are safe in my hands, unless some overt 
act demands action ; then you would not find me 
wanting in energy or discretion.” 

Elsa took Senator Braintree’s letter, glanced over the 
contents, then handed it to Jack, who for nearly a half 
hour sat an interested reader, not looking up once from 
the letter before him. 

The only reference to himself he found in these 
words : 

“Please make my kindest regards to Jack — tell him for me to be 


6o 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMA T. 


diplomatic in every act. Tell him I rejoice to know he is in the right 
direction to reach the goal of honor. I want him to love and cherish 
his treasure, and make himself worthy of her unwavering devotion 
and fidelity. 

‘ ‘ It will not be many months before political changes will be re- 
corded — then I hope for your return. I presume my wandering dove 
will gladly seek the home nest. Your mission is ended ; you have 
conquered self, Jack, and a new destiny and home is the haven — the 
soul’s rest for you.” 

“A good style of literature, by Jove!” was Jack’s 
earnest comment. “ Dear old senator ! He writes like 
a book. I had no idea he had such talent as a letter- 
writer. I don’t wonder you are eager to receive his 
letters. I have to confess he is of different clay than 
most men — he is granite in firmness, I am wax in soft- 
ness, and you, Elsa, are porcelain of finest mould. ” 

“ What is Natalie ? ” Elsa asked, in a quizzical voice. 

“ Oh, she is delf ; don’t speak of her by way of com- 
parison. But tell me, Elsa, what are these plans to 
which the senator refers as having been written to him 
by you ? ” 

“Natalie must leave the Legation with becoming 
honor. I will find her a husband. She will be equal 
to that arrangement, judging from her previous record, 
but she must marry sufficiently high in the social world 
to impress impressionable Americans.” 

> “A very good disposition to make of her,” Jack said, 
with a laugh. “Marriage to a woman of her compre- 
hensive ideas is but little change in her life, but it may 
be a desirable change in her social position, if you take 
her in hand. But have you selected any one for the 
honor? ” 

“Yes, I have — Count Maronia,” Elsa said, with a 
smile. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


6l 


“My God, Elsa, he is an octogenarian, deaf as an 
adder, with one foot in the grave and the other just ready 
to follow ! ” 

“But what does age or death matter to an aspiring 
woman after wealth and honor ? She will be a countess, 
backed by great wealth, and it is time for her to go. I 
can endure anything and everything alone, but to have 
others know that I am enduring hurts my whole nature. 
The Americans are beginning to gossip. You know 
she is growing more aggressive and I less patient every 
day. We had a quarrel only yesterday. We both used 
the same weapons, and neither won victory. We are 
only resting on our arms, ready to renew hostilities at 
any moment. When I told her she would have to leave 
the legation she became very angry. ‘ I have the love 
of Colonel Gilroy to defend me,' she said, triumphantly. 

‘ I have his honor to defend,’ was my reply, ‘and there 
can be no results in my favor until he is under the 
single influence of one who knows the principles of 
honor, justice, and truth. You came here without my 
will, but you leave with my full consent.’ ‘I shall ap- 
peal to Colonel Gilroy,’ she said, excitedly. ‘He will 
be powerless ; he knows the time has come for change ; 
there will be no protest on his part,’ was my reply. 

‘ But what can I do ? I cannot go back to Dunkirk, or 
return to America,’ she said, humbly. ‘ I have arranged 
for you to marry Count Maronia ; that will be a desir- 
able sequel to a complicated situation.’ 

Count Maronia ! ’ she exclaimed, with surprise. 
‘Will he marry me? ’ 

“ ‘ Yes, he has consented. You have been faithful to 
Jack’s interest for over three years, and to one of your 
nature that must be an eternity. The count knows you 


62 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


are a protegee of Colonel Gilroy’s. I told him we should 
return to America at no distant day, and that I wished 
to leave you under the French flag legally protected.’ ” 

“The devil!” said Jack; “then it is all arrang- 
ed?” 

“Yes ; I never talk my plans until they are assured.” 
Elsa then told him a few truths, and that his recall was 
certain unless gossip was quieted, and moralized with 
him as only a wronged wife can who intends to be 
righted. 

“You had better write to Senator Braintree at once 
of your matrimonial diplomacy,” Jack said. 

“ I will write in detail after it is consummated.” 

“Elsa, you have done well. You have cut the knot 
of complication with a golden sword. I will thank you 
for the act till the day of my death, and from my heart 
I can truly say, ‘My old love is the best.’ There will 
be no more foreign elements incorporated into my life. 
You have demonstrated our destiny is one, and my 
heart responds forever. ” 

***** 

A week after the engagement the marriage was an ac- 
complished fact. Elsa handed the following letter to 
Jack, as she said, “You may find food for reflec- 
tion.” 

“ Legation of the United States, \ 

April 30, 18—. J 

“ My dear Senator : — Natalie is married ! I am pleased, and give 
the climax before preliminaries leading up to the momentous event ; 
but when No. 7 is recorded details are unnecessary. In this special 
case it was a touch-and-take affair, but the result is pleasing to all con- 
cerned. Jack looks ten years younger, and the bird sings in my heart. 
Natalie is happy, for she is, in truth, a countess ! If you could have 
seen and heard all the by -play leading to the transformation you would 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


63 

have said, ‘ Elsa is in her element. ’ The count is in his dotage, but 
with sufficient manhood to be pleased with Natalie’s beauty and vi- 
vacity ; but his wealth and title is compensation for all physical defects . 
lie is very deaf, hence she will not find it hard to deceive him ; he is 
supposed to hear just that which she wishes him to believe. To do 
her justice, she had no thought of conquest; but the feasibility and op- 
portunity entered my calculations, and I reduced the idea to a cer- 
tainty. I allowed no time for negotiations. They were married 
quietly from church. The wedding was artistic, becoming the con- 
tracting parties. People smiled and approved. Jack gave the bride 
away, and I am sure that he does not feel that he is badly left. 
They have gone to Paris for a short honeymoon. Count Maronia 
has an elegant home not far from the Legation, and the countess 
will take her place quite high on the social ladder of distinction. 
There will be an extinction of memories. Jack is complacent 
since the anxiety regarding his respectability is removed. He 
will not feel so much embarrassment paying attention to a countess as 
he did one who might at any moment through human accident be 
held up as an adventuress. We all breathe more freely, but the truth 
is for three years one has been trying to deceive, the other trying to 
be deceived, and neither succeeded to the degree they hoped for. I 
think our new chapter will be one of content. Jack has an elastic dis- 
position; he not only forgives but forgets very quickly. If the old 
count should remove to his country place, he would forget the countess’ 
existence before she had hardly made the journey. 

* * ****** 

“Please remember, senator, I wish to return to America. No 
matter how urgently Jack may desire your influence to remain here 
another term, I am opposed ; therefore regard my wishes as final. My 
heart gravitates toward home, for there is found my heart’s friend, 
Jack has filled his mission with credit. I have done all in my power 
to make our home one of peace, his life one of personal freedom and 
physical comfort, and now that he is more genial and sympathetic he 
may yet strike the fountain of my poetic imagination, and, in fact 
make me truly honor, respect, and esteem him. Please remember, 
home is the best place for us. Our mission is ended. 

“ Yours as ever, 

“Elsa.” 


64 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


CHAPTER XIV. 

A new President had been inaugurated. New men and 
new measures were recorded in political annals. A new 
aspirant strongly indorsed by Senator Hartwell appeared 
in Washington in quest of a mission to Desireland. 
During Colonel Gilroy’s official life his name had not 
been obscure, and the social success of his charming 
wife reflected honor, making them prominent in diplo- 
matic circles. Many and varied reports had reached 
America of his diplomatic success, and Americans in 
Europe felt that in both they not only had a minister of 
whom they were proud, but friends to protect their in- 
terests and aid their social ambitions. 

Senator Braintree was conscious that Elsa was the 
master spirit and motive power of the social and offi- 
cial successes achieved, and watched the result with in- 
terest, but surprised Gilroy’s friends when he announced 
he was in favor of Gilroy’s recall. 

“ Braintree has gone back on Gilroy,” Senator Whee- 
lock said to Senator Hartwell one morning, when the 
question was being discussed. “I can’t understand 
this change of heart ; I depended greatly on his personal 
interest to help us out. ” 

“I am surprised at his desertion,” said Hartwell. 
“ I not only believed him an ardent supporter, but per- 
sonal friend. I know he regards Mrs. Gilroy as the 
grandest woman ever created. I admit she has been a 
prominent factor in his success, and we hear her praise 
from every point of view ; but Gilroy has managed 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 65 

affairs with wisdom and done credit to himself and 
country, and I see no good cause for change, but there 
is to be strong opposition. ” 

“Gilroy will have my active influence,” Wheelock 
replied. 

Just then Senator Braintree and Senator Goodenough 
joined the other gentlemen. 

“We are discussing the Gilroys,” Senator Hartwell 
said, “and will be glad of your opinion. We all favor 
Mrs. Gilroy ; we hear her praise on every side.” 

“She cannot be praised too much,” Senator Brain- 
tree replied, “ but she wishes for no favor. Four years 
of exile is quite enough for her. She is anxious to re- 
turn to America. Gilroy's wife has more insight, fore- 
sight, and sagacity than any woman I have ever known. 
She is a diplomat by nature, a mover of hidden springs 
by practice, but she is weary of her mission. She de- 
sires to be recalled, and I shall respond to her request” 

“I have been mystified by his tact in delicate affairs, 
and I was not aware the fair diplomat had aided him so 
materially in official honor ; you have revealed the mys- 
tery, for I knew his mental and moral calibre when he 
had controlling interest in De Foe’s affairs. At that 
time he was not above par. He was a good fellow, 
and money made him popular. You know it is a great 
promoter of respectability, and aids one to the highest 
rung in the social ladder when in the hands of a man 
like Gilroy. He knows how to apply his talents. He 
makes the most of his opportunities. I have not for- 
gotten his gold-mine operation, and have been surprised 
at his marked success. ” 

“ His wife has done more for him than his gold mine. 
She is rich in intellect ; she is the soul of honor, the 


66 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


essence of truth, a warm-hearted, clear-headed, noble 
woman, and her wish will be my law in this matter/' 
said Senator Braintree, with emphasis. 

“ I am pledged to him,” Senator Goodenough replied, 
“ but if you oppose you will win, because the wife is 
on your side. A popular senator and an attractive wo- 
man is a heavy combination against half-hearted sup- 
port. Hartwell is active for Fairbrother. I heard him 
say he had evidence enough against Gilroy to have him 
removed. ” 

“Yes, so he claims, but he is wasting his ammuni- 
tion,” Braintree said, with a smile. “I know the mo- 
tive power of his action.” 

That evening Senator Hartwell called upon Senator 
Braintree. 

“Well,” said the latter, “ have you heard anything in 
response to your inquiries about Natalie De Foe?” 

“Yes; I have just received a letter from the person 
to whom I applied for information,” replied Senator 
Hartwell. ‘ ‘ Read it for yourself : ’* 

“ New York, March 5, 188-. 

“My dear Sir You ask me if I know Natalie De Foe, and if her 
character is not one to invite scandal as private secretary of Colonel 
Gilroy ? 

“To the first interrogation I can answer from personal knowledge. 
I know her well. I have been her legal and financial agent for years. 
As to her presence at the American Legation being criticised, much 
depends upon the discretion of all concerned, and neither Colonel 
Gilroy nor Natalie De Foe are famous for that quality; but from the 
fact of Mrs. Gilroy’s presence I am not led to believe any complica- 
tions will arise. I am told his wife is a wonderful woman to silence 
criticism, and under her diplomatic eye it is safe to assume the honor 
of the country will be upheld, and no occasion will be given to invite 
the recall of Minister Gilroy. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


67 

“ As to Natalie De Foe, she is not a victim of slander ; she is a 
heroine of truth. She has had the most extraordinary marital career. 
To my certain knowledge she has been married six times. She first 
married, in France, Leon De Foe. After his death she married a 
man named Dupre ; a marriage ceremony was performed between 
them which she claims was void, because the person who performed 
it was not a priest, and, according to her version, the marriage was set 
aside on the ground that it had not been consummated. She then 
married a Frenchman named Desnoyers. I think he treated her 
very badly, and divorce was easily obtained, and gave her a key with 
knowledge to unlock the bonds of wedlock, which she has applied 
with success. She then married Jack Howard, of this city, but was 
soon divorced by mutual consent. She obtained the decree in Indiana. 
Without waiting to hear whether Howard had been permanently 
disposed of, she married a man by the name of Wood, from whom 
she was divorced legally. (She is of the opinion that women can ob- 
tain evidence for divorce if they really seek to do so — she knows how 
to seek and find.) I do not know the name of No. 6. She wrote me 
from the West she had married again, but should not make the fact 
public until after her husband heard from a divorce application then 
pending, but she seemed well pleased with the outlook. The next I 
heard from her she wrote me that she had obtained a divorce from 
her last husband — by mutual agreement — as he did not obtain the 
decree he expected, and neither desired to pose as bigamists. I saw 
her in New York, and, at her request, placed her under Colonel 
Gilroy’s care to return to France. When I was told he had a wife 
all my former theories were dispelled as to the Identity of No. 6. 
Natalie De Foe is highly educated, a fine linguist, and is, no doubt, 
a valuable acquisition to Gilroy as an amanuensis. Men like her, wo- 
men do not, nor does she seek their acquaintance only as a stepping 
stone to advance her own desires. She is very beautiful, and makes 
quite a sensation by her style and regal manner. She is tall, and her 
movements have repose and harmony in them, her figure richness 
and symmetry, with dark eyes of a deep brown hue, beautiful mouth, 
and rich auburn hair. There seems to be history and mystery in her 
life. Women discover this, and quickly believe she lacks principle 
and the high moral law of virtue, and condemn her without mercy. 
But her greatest crime is in having magnetic power to win six hus- 
bands. The proceeding is not criminal, not even an infringement on 


68 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


virtue, to those who believe in divorce ; but by those who do not she 
is condemned. It seems her practice to marry all her lovers, hence 
she may claim to be justly virtuous, for legally she is right, if morally 
wrong. The liberal law regarding divorce will have to be changed 
before she can be condemned only by society, for it is clearly demon- 
strated if it be right to marry a second husband during the life of 
the first, even though the decree of divorce be granted, on the same 
principle it is equally right to marry any number one may desire, or 
be able to obtain. 

“It is not my purpose to discuss law, but state facts. You are at 
liberty to use this letter according to your own judgment, for there 
are no secrets betrayed; the matter is public if any one has curiosity 
to be enlightened. I speak with knowledge as her counsel. 

“Yours truly, 

“Stephen Allaire.” 

Senator Braintree had scarcely finished reading the 
letter when the cry of ‘ ‘ Extra ! Extra ! ” was heard 
on the street, and in another moment followed the 
words : 

<l Sudden Death of Minister Gilroy. Supposed 
Suicide of the American Minister. ” 


CHAPTER XV 

The details leading to Colonel Gilroy’s death are soon 
told. 

After Natalie De Foe’s marriage there was no senti- 
ment between them ; they drifted apart through natural 
process. He had outlived his infatuation, and was not 
willing to peril his reputation as formerly, and made no 
'effort to disguise his pleasure that she was another 
man’s wife. 

On the evening of the fatal day he received a note 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


69 

from the Countess Maronia, which he destroyed with im- 
patience. “ Elsa,” he said, “ I have a note from Na- 
talie ; she wishes me to call on her this evening for a 
special reason. She has news from America which 
she is desirous that I should hear.” 

“I would not go out to-night. You are not well, 
and such news as she has will keep,” said Elsa. 

“ I had better go and hear what it is. I will make a 
short visit and give you the result.” He kissed her au 
revoir in peace and affection — little dreaming it was an 
eternal good-bye. 

An hour later Elsa was startled by the unannounced 
entrance of the countess to her private room, under 
great excitement. 

“Come with me,” she said, breathlessly. “Colonel 
Gilroy is very ill, but give no alarm ; there must be no 
scene. Come quickly with me.” Elsti asked no ques- 
tions, but followed her guide with the appearance of one 
walking in sleep. She awoke to reality : Jack was 
dead ! With strange calmness she comprehended the 
situation. She sent for her own physician, who quickly 
made an examination, and pronounced death from 
heart disease. He said, “There is no mystery in the 
case, nor any cause for sensation.” 

Colonel Gilroy’s sudden death 'and the circumstance 
that he was not at home gave current report of suicide, 
but the rumor was officially denied. Still it was gen- 
erally believed he was under great excitement, and varied 
conclusions, not in accordance with knowledge, were 
given as facts. Natalie was equal to the occasion, and 
behaved admirably, and through calmness and discre- 
tion disarmed gossip, and won the everlasting gratitude 
of Elsa, who awarded charitable considerations from 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


70 

the fact she had been a friend of Jack’s and could no 
longer be regarded as a rival. 

A few days after the fatal news by cable Senator 
Braintree received the following letter from Elsa, which 
he read with eager interest : 

“April 10. 

“My Dear Senator : This letter is written in the shadow of a 
great event. Poor Jack is dead ! I cannot comprehend it ; it seems 
like a strange dream. I write in haste, and must be brief, perhaps 
incoherent, for I am enduring a shock of an indescribable nature. I 
must be made of iron nerves, but even with all my endurance the ten- 
sion is terrible. I sent you the mere fact — all that is essential to be 
made public — but there are details sacred to myself. Be assured there 
is no dishonor attached to his memory ; but there is such vitality in 
falsehood his name may suffer, since there is a grain of truth for basis. 
Natalie behaved like a countess ! She has a nerve. Jack had faults, 
but they are all forgiven. Nothing is impossible when love exists, and 
when we have once loved truly I do not believe sentiment ever dies, 
and even if crushed will rise again, if nurtured by kindness and reci- 
procity into new live. Be this as it may, I have forgiven, and with 
forgiveness I will forget. We were happy — we had learned the 
art — and he was learning to be careful of his reputation, a fact which 
will endear his memory, now that his honor is in my own keeping. 

“ It is a matter of deep regret to me that poor Jack did not meet the 
fatal summons at home ; but no man can avert the arrow of death, 
be he at home or abroad. There are memories I will bury beyond 
resurrection. I shall destroy the manuscript. The principal actor is 
dead — the drama closed. 

“ On Tuesday he will make the silent return across the Atlantic. 
Do not have friends waiting for me, for it is a requirement of my 
nature to endure alone. I do not reject sympathy, but just now my 
grief is too sacred for condolence ; beside I wish to avoid questions. 

“Poor Jack, he sleeps well beyond the reach of criticism, but I am 
filled with anxiety and sorrow. Only think what a sad home return- 
ing ! I feel so helpless and dependent, so alone, yet every one is 
kind ; but the very thought of seeing you and home once more makes 
me a child again, and with sobs and tears I write good-bye until we 
meet. 

“Elsa.” 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


7 1 

The home returning was accomplished. Elsa’s 
country home was in mourning. Every arrangement 
had been carefully made for the last sad rites. The 
interview between Elsa and Senator Braintree was 
pathetic and filled with memories that were not crystal- 
lized into words. Many strangers had arrived to await 
the silent return of John James Gilroy. Among the 
distinguished number, Senator Wheelock, Senator Hart- 
well, Senator Goodenough, and others from his Western 
home, met the mortal remains of one recalled home 
by a Higher Power than Congress. The villagers 
” turned out” to bury their honored dead. Each heart 
was afflicted yet citizens found mournful pleasure in 
the fact — for it acknowledged them personal friends 
— that they had known the boy and the man whom 
they mourned with honest-hearted sorrow, remember- 
ing all his virtues, forgetting all his faults. Alone in 
the quiet of her cottage home Elsa gave the kiss of 
eternity, and with throbbing heart and longing eyes she 
consigned her dead to the friends of their youth for a 
public funeral. He was laid to rest, to sleep the long 
sleep with his ancestry amid the hills and valleys he 
loved so well, a man respected, honored, and beloved. 
Elsa had been faithful “until death did them part,” 
making separation eternal. 

On the night of the memorable day when“ dust to 
dust, ashes to ashes” had been said, and the inevitable 
grave had closed forever over the man who had influ- 
enced her life to an extraordinary degree, Elsa kept a 
solemn vigil, in memory of her past. Who can sleep 
on the night of sorrow ? Who can silence the heart 
requiem “over at last, over at last”? Elsa was true to 
the traditions of every mourner who has loved ; she re- 


7 2 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


called the virtues and forgot the faults of one who had 
made up the history of her life. 

With blinding tears and reverent hands she took from 
her desk several bundles of old letters, and consigned 
them to the flames — “ Ashes to ashes. ” Then she over- 
looked papers referring to the divorce case, but in her 
heart there was no condemnation. As she watched the 
flames she said to herself, ‘ ‘ Dead Sea fruit. ” 

Then all the correspondence between herself and 
Senator Braintree she offered as a burnt sacrifice to the 
past. “ I will not meet my past again in written words.” 
We rarely repent writing too little, but often of writing 
too much ; and if a sacrifice be required, “ If it be done, 
let it be well done.” The heart holocaust was complete. 
She felt the immolation was acceptable. She knelt before 
the altar of flame, and watched the end, fully in keeping 
with her love and devotion. She had proved the 
power of endurance a wife may have and yet be true 
to herself and vows, when controlled by principle, 
with a fixed determination to accept for better or worse. 
“Iam glad I endured to the end,” she said to herself, 
“Now there is no remorse when I think of poor Jack.” 

“Out of the world’s crush and din, 

Out from pain, wrong, and sin ; 

Out from ambition’s cruel strife, 

Out from the bitter race of life ; 

Out from its honors and offices, 

Out from its sorrows and its cares, 

He lay at rest. ’ ’ 

Again Elsa took up the broken thread of life in her 
cottage home, only Jack was out of her life. Senator 
Braintree was executor of the estate, and stood between 
her and the world in the affairs of life. No mention 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


73 


of past love or future hope was made, yet Doth knew 
the result. It was at Elsa’s earnest request that they 
only met through letters, except when business or 
courtesy invited formal calls at the cottage during his 
brief visits at home. 

****** 

The second anniversary of Elsa’s widowhood stood 
recorded. Mourning robes were laid aside. Senator 
Braintree remembered the date, and made an opportunity 
to visit home, in the hope some sign would be made. 
He found Elsa dressed in her favorite white costume, 
with the old look of happiness and unrestrained wel- 
come awaiting his return. 

“ I am glad you have come,” Elsa said, with ani- 
mated pleasure. 

“ I am glad the hour has come,” he replied. 

“Yes, since the hour and man has met,” Elsa said, 
with an intelligent smile. 

“ I have been like Barkis, willing and waiting, but, 
like Peggotty, you would not say Come.” 

“Memory of ingratitude to one beyond reach of 
atonement is more bitter than delay toward the living,” 
replied Elsa. “There is no bitterness in my life. I 
feel I have done honor to the living by proper respect 
to memory of the dead. Now I am ready to enjoy the 
pleasures of reality under new conditions.” 

“Will you return to Washington with me h> 
morrow ? ” 

“Yes.” 

The next morning the two knelt before the man of 
God — they arose as one — “until death do them part,” 
and the blessings of the people followed them like a 
benediction. 


74 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


CHAPTER XVI. 

The advent of Senator and Mrs. Braintree, was a 
social event in Washington society. They established 
themselves in handsome apartments at the First Hotel, 
and surrounded their quasi home with all the refinements 
of wealth. Mrs. Braintree gracefully assumed the posi- 
tion awarded her by established customs of official 
society, and formulated a social Code to govern her offi- 
cial life, and won social praise from all with whom she 
associated. True to her nature she found more enjoy- 
ment in exclusive society, than official ; but she sacri- 
ficed her own desires to promote her husband's interests, 
and in her new life extracted much satisfaction. 

She made regulation calls in due form, and inaugurated 
her Thursday receptions in an attractive manner, and 
was able to combine social and official duties without 
destroying the harmony of domestic life, for her greatest 
delight was to do her husband honor, and her first object 
to win his approval. 

“Well, Elsa,” the Senator said, in a tone very dear to 
her, “How stands the social record of your first recep- 
tion ; judging from the pasteboard editions representing 
the social element, there must have been many results.” 

“Yes, my visitors were legion,” she said, pointing to 
the basket of visiting cards. 

“Did Mrs. Wheelock pay her respects ? he asked with 
a smile. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


75 

“ Yes ; and what is more, she looked remarkably well, 
and there was nothing startling in our meeting/’ 

“I wonder if she has realized all she anticipated in 
her matrimonial venture ! 

“ I fancy so, she looks satisfied with herself and sur- 
roundings. ” 

“ How does she stand on the social ladder ?” 

“Evidently she is climbing with heroic effort,” Elsa 
said pleasantly. 

“ Do you suppose she members how she reached 
the first rung ? ” the Senator asked quizzically. 

“She may remember, but 1 shall ignore the past. 
The flame of such memories dies out, unless fanned by 
gossip, and I only use that fan when talking with you.” 

“ Did Mrs. Member put in an appearance ? 

“Yes, but I did not fancy her much.” 

“I didn’t suppose you would, for she is one who 
delights in reviving dead memories. She met me at the 
Capitol this morning and asked questions at the rate of 
sixty a minute. She got no satisfaction, for she gave me 
no opportunity to answer.” 

“I shall limit her acquaintance to strict official form- 
ality,” Elsa said with a smile. “My ideas of society do 
not force me to make every visitor a friend. Still I ex- 
pect to make many agreeable acquaintances, and enjoy 
official life, for it is embellished with novelty, and 
colored with variety.” 

“But knowing your taste as I do/’ the Senator re- 
plied, “I appreciate the sacrifice of your dainty ideas of 
society to advance my interest, and aid a greater good 
then mere personal enjoyment.” 

“My first desire is to make myself agreeable to our 
own people, our strength is with them. ” 


7 6 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


“ The Douglass blood tells in you, they know how to 
capture the people,” the senator said with a smile. 

“ I shall keep up my social obligations as my part of 
official duty. The State Right of my nature is fully de- 
veloped from a social standpoint, it will fill up my life 
with active pleasure, but, senator, you are the Head 
Centre of my social honors — without your name I would 
be little and unknown. I cannot expect to find home 
honors here.” 

“You underrate your social magnetism,” the Senator 
replied. “You win friends and honors in your own 
name and right ; you will solve the social problem to my 
satisfaction. ” 

“I believe society strengthens state bonds, and brings 
people nearer together than many people imagine. I 
think, as a family, we are popular with the people.” 

“ Yes, right or wrong your family are upheld by those 
who know them best, but your ideas of state duty, coin- 
cides with my fixed views of a Democratic Republican 
form of government, you have grasped the situation with 
the tact of a social diplomat, you are the kind of 
wife every public man should have ; and if not so 
blessed, wives should be left to look after home 
interests. Such a wife as Member has is a ball and 
chain to his ambition in political life. Why don’t you 
ask. me what she had to say about Madame la Com- 
tesse ? ” 

“I have less curiosity than you imagine in that 
quarter. In my new life my heart has ceased to vibrate 
to the pangs of remembrance. The old sorrow is out 
of my heart, and I pray it may never be awakened/' 

“ Mrs. Member will tell you, if I do not, that the old 
Count is actually dead. Natalie is no longer a grass 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


77 

Widow ; but as Charley will say, a widow in weeds, 
backed by a marble monument.” 

“ Is she backed by gold, or will she have to fallback 
upon the magical influence of her Amulet to win re- 
sults ? ” 

“Mrs. Member gave me to understand that the money 
went with the title to a great-nephew, excepting the 
wife’s dower, which was not large, in the anxiety of her 
patron to win a husband for her. Judging from Mrs. 
Member’s version the widow of money aspirations 
seems to have been ‘badly left,”’ Senator Braintree 
said, with an amused smile. 

“ I hope she will not make this country the centre of 
her future exploits,” Elsa said with emphasis. 

“There is little danger of that,” the senator replied, 
“ until she explores Europe in view of conquest” 

“I am not sure. Washington is a city of refuge to 
aspirants for social distinction. As a countess and 
niece of Mrs. Wheelock, she would pass current, and 
no doubt with her beauty, wealth and varied accomplish- 
ments, prove a magnet of attraction. If she desires 
society, she will come here ; if she is seeking money, 
she will remain in Europe ; but should she come, my 
Jack will not allow his Jill to be disturbed, for he is 
— beyond her reach. ’* 

“I don’t know, Elsa, a woman of her capacity has 
a long reach and true aim. What if one of her darts 
should pierce a weak point in my armor? Would it 
wound your heart deeply ? ” 

“ More than you can imagine. I could not bear it as 
I did when she made poor Jack her victim ; I surren- 
dered him, but I would die before yielding you to her 
tender mercies. You would find terrible possibilities in 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


78 

your ‘ Angel of Sweetness/ if her jealousy was aroused. 
So be a wise man and never invite the emotion, for H it 
makes men and women more cruel than death/' 

“You were not cruel to Jack ? ” 

“No, because I did not love him as I do you. Women 
are generous toward men whom they do not love, but 
never toward one whom they do love. They may be a little 
prone to allow margin to other women's husbands, but 
very little to their own. When a woman truly loves 
she is a vigilance committee — a self-appointed constable 
of private morals from her own standpoint of morality, 
and, as a rule, true to her creed. She watches the man 
she trusts. " 

“ I presume so," the senator said, with a laugh. “ I 
expect a man would have to get up early and sit up 
late to deceive her watchful eye. I hope you will 
never be a guard of social honor, for you would be 
victor. I would have to make unconditional surrender; 
but there is one point in my favor, I know your methods 
to subjugate disloyalty." 

“ Do not deceive yourself," Elsa said, with a happy 
smile. “You have never seen me in war paint, under 
the Ensign of Love. Only under that condition can you 
realize the full force of my character. You would find 
it is not my nature to bear wrongs in silence.” 

“ What would you do, Elsa ? " 

“ I should try to be prudent and feminine toward you 
and not see too much. I should not deceive you, for a 
woman who deceives her husband is the destruction of 
her own happiness. I should warn you in words you 
could not fail to understand ; but if my warning passed 
unheeded, I should act, and one of us would suffer." 

“I rather think both would suffer; but I hope, Elsa, 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


79 

your warm, confiding- heart will never be taught, 
through me, suffering, or the necessity of concealment. 
You can trust me.” 

“I know and feel that I can trust you. Faith is an 
undying faculty of my nature, and leads me on with 
absolute confidence.” 

‘‘Was your faith as great in the old days as now?” 
he asked. 

“Hardly. I was a storm-bird following Jack and 
his destinies, with hope and patience to a degree that 
animated me to exertions almost beyond the powers of 
women. Now, that is ended, but it has made me a 
mariner with experience for a guide, and Faith leads 
me to believe that no woman will stand between me 
and my husband to lead him to ruin. You know, 
senator, a wicked woman is a siren of the nether 
-floods to allure men to the fatal rocks. My experience 
has taught me the quicksands and whirlpool of her 
works, but with you there is no danger. I have no fear 
of another social warfare. ” 

“ There is little danger of history repeating itself. 
You have discovered two contending principles are 
always present in such a conflict, and most always 
disastrous to a loving, gentle woman. I beg you not to 
disturb your tranquillity by shadows, or the illusions of 
fancy, for our souls are indissolubly bound by ties that 
can never be broken until one stands alone at the inevit- 
able grave. You are my Rachel, my soul is chained to 
yours, and the heart has but one idol. ” 

“ No, senator, you will never make me say from 
a broken heart, ‘Oh, my beautiful, lost Paradise.' I 
am surprised,” she continued thoughtfully, “ that we 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


So 

have drifted upon this subject, but Natalie is a home and 
heart wrecker/’ 

“ We will not discuss domestic shipwreck, but cross 
the wrecker out of our lives, out of our book of remem- 
brance,” the senator said, kindly ; “but I must confess 
it has been delightful to hear your profession of faith and 
loyalty. ” 

“ I only wished to tell you, senator, that it is the 
desire of my life to live in peace and respectability. I 
have had enough of compromise, deception, and injus- 
tice in the past to insure equity and justice to me in the 
future. I want my name written on your heart in bold 
relief, to be known of all women, and thus insure me 
against a rival. A policy of that nature is indeed a 
mutual relief. ” 

“ Women write their own policies for happiness, but 
too many are guided by theory instead of practice, for 
practically we are all human, and humanity is not philo- 
sophical ; but there is a great moral truth, a fixed fact 
in my life, that you can accept without qualification — 
I love you ; and when a man loves he is satisfied. Your 
beauty and intellect, united with every feminine charm, 
has won unbounded influence over my mind. You not 
only fill my imagination, but my reason. Remember, 
Elsa, you can never have a rival.” 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


8l „ 


CHAPTER XVII. 

Mrs. Member, a former acquaintance of Colonel Gil- 
roy’s in the “Wild West,” made a first call on Mrs. 
Braintree, but strict formality on her part gave little 
encouragement to future acquaintance, for there was 
nothing in common between them on which it could be 
based ; but the coolness gave social offence, that was 
increased by the cordial acquaintance that became 
established between the families of Senator Braintree and 
Senator Wheelock. Mrs. Member was a zero in society. 
She was more unique than elegant in her style, and 
known as a chronic gossip, a constitutional mischief 
maker, who was entirely ignorant of the rules of good 
breeding, or the code of honor governing men and 
women of refined society. She was void of refined 
sensibilities. She could never give an opinion as her 
own, but was always ready to repeat slander andascribe 
it to more eminent authority. She was one of the 
dangerous class of women, with methods and weapons 
unknown to ladies, and watching for an opportunity to 
use them where they could do the most harm. She 
decided to punish Mrs. Braintree “for snubbing her so 
effectively,” but no opportunity appeared. Mrs. Brain- 
tree’s politeness was so uniform, there was no good 
cause for attack. The season passed into the annals of 
life in Washington. Mrs. Braintree was a model, that 
filled her position with honor, and received the highest 


82 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


praise of friends and admirers. In official life she met 
friends of her first husband, who were familiar with her 
past at home and abroad, but nothing- occurred to create 
heart-burnings, or cause jealousy or mortification. 
There was no cause, hence no conflict. From time to 
time the Countess Maroni was referred to, but no details 
were known or desired of her wanderings in Europe ; 
and while social and political events of individual 
moment were recorded in her life, no blot marred the 
happiness or record of her first season in Washington as 
‘ ‘ the Senator’s Bride. ” 

The following December, according to official eti- 
quette, Mrs. Member paid the first visit to Mrs. Braintree. 
She made an opportunity to make an informal visit in 
order to retail an item of news with special effective- 
ness. After a few hurried formalities on her part she 
said, with eagerness : 

“The Countess Maroni is coming here to spend the 
winter, I presume you will give her your patronage.” 

“I select my own friends,” Mrs. Braintree replied 
coldly. 

“I suppose so, but I believe she is an old friend, and 
no doubt an old scandal will revive unless you take her 
up.” 

“Perhaps so, but I will permit no one to enlighten 
me if there is a revival. ” 

“ There will be no end of gossip,” Mrs. Member said, 
dogmatically. “She has always been talked about.” 

“You must remember Madame Rumor is a very irre- 
sponsible person, and misleads in her reports,” Mrs. 
Braintree replied ; “but gossip cannot change facts or 
materially effect foregone conclusions . v 

“Gossip may not, but facts cannot be denied. I 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


83 

have had my experience in the past, and now as a rich 
Countess she will be much more agressive. You may 
have a chance to be jealous of her with all her preten- 
sions and the liberty of this city. " 

“There will be no conflict between us. She has made 
her future, I have made mine, and silence will be golden 
on the part of those who have had experience in her old 
days. ” 

“You may be silent, but others will talk. Why, 
every one I know in this city is a retailer of gossip ; it is 
the principal occupation of my friends. ” 

“I suppose so, for like seeks like,” Elsa said, with a 
smile. “Show me a woman’s friends and I can place 
them in the social scale with accuracy. When I find 
a woman who delights in repeating scandal, she is 
placed with scandal-mongers. If she delights in wound- 
ing feelings I regard her ill bred, not fitted for good 
society. If she is a common-place gossip I consider 
her a bore, and find no place for her in my acquiantance. 
If you followed this rule you would meet more desirable 
people and hear something more entertaining than 
gossip. ” 

For a moment Mrs. Member looked disconcerted by 
the social homily she had listened to, but she had not 
sensibility enough to apply the rebuke to herself, but 
attempted to strengthen her position by saying : 

“It is my rule to be friendly with every one, I have 
no enemies.” 

“You are a fortunate woman in your own estimation. 
I presume many feel the same as you do from the result 
of self-esteem.” 

“No it comes from policy.” Mrs. Member replied, 
with evident pride, “but I have not deceit enough to 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


84 

take up Natalie De Foe. I know the minor workings 
of her domestic life in this country, and you cannot 
have forgotten what occurred in Europe. I am sure she 
will force you to be her patron here, as she did there. 
She will appropriate your husband, but I don’t suppose 
she will renew acquaintance with mine, for he is not 
high enough on the official ladder to please a new made 
Countess.” 

“I think, Mrs. Member, you are anticipating without 
cause. I know many and varied reports of her record 
in Europe reached Slanderville, and you may have 
clothed a romance in her life as a fact, without well de- 
fined reason. ” 

“No, I have not. I know Natalie De Foe as she was, 
and no title can change her nature. If you are a wise 
woman you will not be betrayed through confidence in 
that woman, nor give the Senator as much margin as 
you did Colonel Gilroy.” 

A quick flash of temper passed from Mrs. Braintree's 
eyes as she said : 

“I need no advice, and my husband needs no pro- 
tector. You must not judge of our domestic life by 
your own.” 

“You are very sensitive, but I suppose there are 
reasons why you should be,” Mrs. Member said, with a 
laugh ; “but if you are wise enough to judge the future 
by the past, you will foresee scandal before the season 
is over. I am glad it will fall on the Senate to bear the 
sensation instead of the House.” 

“Why should we discuss Natalie, when we have no 
interest in her ? Why do you anticipate scandal ? ” 

“ Because I have seen her since her return. I have 
heard her talk, and as a frjend J have come to forewarn 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


85 

you against her. I am going to Mrs. Wheelock’s to re- 
mind her of a few facts. Since her marriage she seems 
to have learned the science of forgetting. ” 

“Have the Wheelocks arrived?” Mrs. Braintree 
asked. 

“Yes, but Natalie stopped over for a few days in New 
York to meet a man to whom she is bound by either 
canonic or platonic relations. She gave me the impres- 
sion, however, that it is a sort of a marriage in disguise 
to retain an annuity the old Count settled on her while 
she remained his widow.” 

“ Don’t do her any injustice,” Mrs. Braintree replied, 
“ for I know how easy compromising mistakes involve 
honor and happiness.” 

The two ladies parted with usual politeness, but Elsa 
foresaw shadows of coming events lengthening over her 
happiness, and intuitively she felt they would materialize 
into a new chapter of Heart History. 

Mrs. Member proceeded to Senator Wheelock’s house 
fully intent upon her mission. She found Mrs. Wheelock 
was not at home, but to her greater pleasure she met 
the senator, just as he was leaving his house, and 
through real effort detained him “ to be interviewed.” 

“Why is Natalie De Foe coming here for the winter?” 
he asked with much stress. 

“ Because she wishes to. Are there any objections ? ” 

“I think Mrs. Braintree will have another Jack on her 
hands, unless she watches the senator. I have just come 
from there, and she is very much disturbed.” 

“ There is no cause for any suspicion in that quarter. 
Braintree has no eyes or ears for any one but his 
wife. ” 

f ‘ Wait until you see him tested, I thought the same 


86 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


of Mr. Member, but he proved the old Adam of his 
nature with a vengeance. All he was waiting for was a 
temptation. You remember my experience, nor have I 
forgotten yours/' 

“ I thought you had absolute faith in your Joseph," 
the senator said with a smile. 

“ Women are prone to believe all men are faithless 
except their own husbands, but confidence in mine will 
never betray me again. Mr. Member, will have no op- 
portunity made for him to study Italian Morality from 
Natalies standpoint, and I hope, senator, you are a 
disciple of sound morality able to withstand the charms 
of the charmer, for it will be her role to teach states- 
men the Italian phase of the divine passion ; and if Mrs. 
Wheelock is wise she will not encourage you to play the 
part of Uncle to the enterprising countess, for you are 
aware of her peculiar methods of matrimony and math- 
ematical calculations of morality,” Mrs. Member said, 
with a meaning smile. 

“ I do not claim to understand her methods, nor have 
I demonstrated her system of calculations, but I know 
the usual practice of most men under the influence of 
such a problem. Still I may prove an exception to the 
general rule ; but experience teaches me and observation 
confirms the knowledge, that beauty and opportunity 
are factors to weaken any man’s morals and make even 
a virtuous Joseph become a gallant David, unless they 
are strongly fortified by a wife whose vigilance pre- 
vents them becoming exposed to the tempting siren of 
other wives' legal responsibilities.” 

“ If you refer to Joseph Member you may be sure I 
will keep an eye on him ; but if you mean David Whee- 
lock, I hope your wif§ will be equal to her duty. She 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 87 

can count on me as an active aid, if I am not obliged to 
act as Home Guard." 

“ Natalie will have a hard time to overcome her old 
enemy," he said with a laugh, “but she is an old sol- 
dier, a veteran in love affairs. She can checkmate 
you all and come off victor with flying colors, for she 
knows the science of victory. Nothing daunts her. 
She claims to have an amulet to insure all her ventures, 
and she seems to prove her claim by a remarkable ex- 
perience, attended with wonderful fortune." 

“Yes, senator, but fortune is a capricious divinity, 
and she may yet come to grief with her free and easy 
virtue in this country, where married men are supposed 
to be husbands instead of lovers. I come as a friend, to 
warn you to be cautious, for the eyes of Slanderville 
are upon you. Of course we have not the same inter- 
est in Braintree’s escape from her charms that we have 
in you, and I rather hope his wife will get another 
object lesson from her. She didn’t love poor Jack, but 
she does love the old senator, and through him she can 
be hurt That kind of retributive justice I can enjoy." 

“ I see your object," the senator said, sternly. “You 
have disclosed a scheme to injure the Braintrees ; but 
you cannot count on either Mrs. Wheelock or myself 
to aid or abet any conspiracy you may have formed to 
bring trouble to either of them." 

“ Who said anything about conspiracy? You have 
jumped at your conclusion without basis. I had forgot- 
ten you regarded Mrs. Braintree as your patron saint, 
because she claimed Jack at just the right time to aid 
your matrimonial aspirations," she said with a laugh. 
But the ulterior meaning of her words did not escape 
the Senator. 


88 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


“ Mrs. Braintree is a noble woman. She has treated 
us all with courtesy and has in no way referred to the 
past by word or action, and hereafter this subject must 
be a dead issue between us, as I am a friend of both the 
senator and his wife, and I claim to know the difference 
between friendship such as I entertain for them, and 
malice such as you have shown.” He said “good- 
morning ” — without giving her an opportunity to reply ; 
but she felt she had made a mistake. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 


The arrival of the Countess Maroni at Slanderville the 
month before the Wheelocks left for Washington created 
a sensation. The effect was all she desired ; her wealth 
magnified and greatly covered her former record ; it 
bought for her the Mantle of Charity. Her position 
abroad grew in importance as each relator added to 
both, until the truth was lost sight of. The social suc- 
cess of the Countess grew in brilliancy and her influence 
over men and events was reported as wonderful. All 
confessed a miracle had been wrought in her life ; but no 
one with knowledge could give the key. When in- 
terrogated by her former friends, she only said : “ The 
past is dead, you see the present ; what have you to do 
with detail ? When it was given out she was to spend 
the season in Washington, it was generally conceded a 
great acquisition would be added to the social element 
pf the Capitol City. During the month thq Countess 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


89 

was at the home of Senator Wheelock, she frequently 
met Mrs. Member, and became convinced it was for 
her social interest to go to Washington, in due form as 
the accredited niece of Mrs. Wheelock, and through the 
connection increase the distinction due the Countess 
Maroni. All Natalie’s plans revolved favorably, for she 
was an adept in managing detail with desirable acces- 
sories for successful denouement. She knew how to 
apply her talents and make the most of her opportuni- 
ties. In dress, manner, and mental acquirements she 
was an attraction, and she took good care to have her 
qualities apparent by every dainty accessory to make a 
charming woman. 

Senator Wheelock was pleased with his protegee and 
her arrangements for the winter. He took it for granted 
that she was alone in life, and would make his house 
her home when in Washington. She proceeded east in 
their company as far as New York City, where the 
senator received a “set-back/’ as he termed it. 

The evening before he was to leave for the Capitol 
she said to him, “I have not told you that I am to 
meet a gentleman here before I go to Washington ; a 
friend whom I have incorporated into my domestic ar- 
rangements as an indispensable adjunct. I have to live 
in a style becoming my position, and a man of affairs is 
a necessity.” 

“ It may be a necessity from an Italian standpoint of 
view, but here we dispense with such compromising 
sinecures for gentlemen, when a woman is compos 
mentis” was the senator’s reply ; but he could not 
conceal his disgust. 

“I conform to the customs of my country,” she said, 
with a smile. “Antonio La Rue, the gentleman who 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


90 

accompanies me, is a kinsman of Count Maroni, a man 
of high standing, worthy of your indorsement. I 
make this explanation, so you can make it upon my 
authority. ” 

“But is he a kinsman?” the senator asked doubt- 
ingly. 

“Yes, by the great common bond that makes all 
men brothers,” Natalie said, with a pleased smile. 

“ I thought that was about as near as it came through 
consanguinity to the old man. I am sorry these com- 
plications have developed. As a rule we are not very 
particular about the social customs of foreigners when 
in our country, but we hate scandalous sensations, 
especially when they strike home. I had hoped to have 
you make a good social standing this winter, but you 
will not, as the case stands now ; but try and not offend 
society. ” 

“ If you mean Mrs. Braintree, your caution is un- 
necessary. I care very little for her opinion, but I may 
test the material of the old senator, to discover if he is 
so infinitely superior to poor Jack.” 

“If you have no higher ambition than that, you had 
better not go to Washington ; besides, we cannot invite 
La Rue to be our guest, and you will not be content 
without him.” 

“ I am not to be your guest,” she said quickly. “We 
shall stay at the First Hotel, to enjoy the pleasures of 
independence. It is wise to let the wind blow between 
relatives’ houses when relations are a little mixed.” ' 

“Natalie, I am sorry you have given me this con- 
fidence, for it has disappointed all my expectations ; 
beside it seems a poor return for your secured position, 
when you could have done us all credit, and proved to 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


9 * 

Mrs. Braintree you were worthy of the husband you 
secured through her influence.” 

“Why was I made a countess ? Was it love for me 
or security for Jack? You see there are two sides to 
every romance, but I am of the opinion I got the best 
side ; the old gentleman only lived two years, and as 
an investment, he was thoroughly satisfactory. Then, 
if you remember, Jack did not live long after he ceased 
to love me. I repay principle and interest, for every 
injury I receive. Elsa Gilroy was paid. Now I only 
have a curiosity to meet her upon the plane of social 
equality — I neither hate, love, nor despise her ; but you 
will observe I am to stay at the same hotel with the 
Braintrees.” 

“ I observe a great many things I do not approve,” 
Senator Wheelock replied ; “but my opinion is that your 
visit at Washington will be a failure.” 

The following morning the Wheelocks left for Wash- 
ington. The Senator gave his wife the benefit of his 
knowledge regarding the plans of Natalie. Both 
decided it would be best for the countess to work out 
her own plans in her own way. They knew any inter- 
ference on their part would not be tolerated, and would 
in no way improve the social position of Countess 
Maroni, but, on the contrary, might compromise their 
own. They were wise enough to realize they were 
“new people,” and naturally desired respectable con- 
nections ; and greatly regretted the advent of a woman 
so calculated to invite gossip and provoke scandal, but 
they decided to make the best of it, since they could 
not prevent or control her movements. 


92 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


A week after the arrival of Senator Wheelock's family 
at Washington, Countess Maroni and maid, Count La 
Rue and valet, were domiciled at the First Hotel. The 
Countess made herself familiar with details she desired to 
utilize, and the conditions were favorable for social suc- 
cess. It was understood she was a niece of Mrs. 
Wheelock; accompanied by her late husband’s nephew, 
who had come to pass a few weeks at the Capitol ; and 
without apparent effort she became current enough to 
be talked about and noticed in society items. 

A few mornings after her advent she met Mrs. Brain- 
tree in the hall, apparently by accident, while in fact 
she had made an opportunity. There was no surprise 
on the part of either, and but little effusiveness on the 
part of Natalie, “ I am glad to see you/’ she said in her 
soft, languid voice. “Tell me about yourself and the 
senator.” 

“We are well and happy,” Mrs. Braintree replied. 

“I suppose you find him only one degree removed 
from divinity, for I hear him idealized for every known 
virtue. ” 

“He has well grounded principles of truth and 
honor.” 

“I suppose so,” the countess said with a smile, “I 
am really anxious to see him. I am glad he is not like 
Jack, still he is a man — hence must be human.” 

The first interview struck a note of discord in Mrs. 
Braintree’s heart, she resented the allusion to her hus- 
band s virtues, and the mention of Colonel Gilroy’s name 
in such a familiar tone and manner. She knew her old 
rival from every point of view and had no confidence 
in her, still she decided politeness should be observed, 
but not familiarity, in her intercourse with her old enemy. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


93 

Still she had to admit to herself that she almost dreaded 
to have her husband meet so attractive and designing a 
woman on the plane of respectable equality, for she 
was morally certain she would endeavor to exercise her 
magical influence over him, to punish her for having 
once before placed her at her true value, and winning 
back the allegiance of her own husband. Her confi- 
dence was so great in Senator Braintree she could not 
bring herself to doubt his discretion, and much less 
could she warn him to avoid the dangerously attractive 
woman who desired his acquaintance. She weighed all 
the pros and cons of the situation in the fine balance of 
expediency, and decided to trust the countess as a nega- 
tive element ; not one to fear or to be conciliated by any 
compromise or concession. She cannot influence him 
or reach me, and it will be true diplomacy to treat her 
with politeness and trust to circumstances. 

“Who do you suppose is anxious to make your 
acquaintance ? ” Elsa asked the senator that evening, 
upon his return home from Congress. 

“ Mrs. Member? he said with a smile. 

“ No ; the Countess Maroni ! 

“ The devil ! ” he said in the same tone. 

“No, not the devil ; but his sister. She is here in all 
her glory, and really more beautiful than ever, and, 
what is more, she solicits your acquaintance.” 

“I have no desire to make hers. I know her as she 
is, not as she appears. She is no doubt the same 
Natalie that Jack knew, to your sorrow.” 

“Yes; but since she is at this hotel apparently 
respectable, we had better know her formally — for it 
will be known that I am godmother of her newly won 
honors. The past will surely be resurrected, and we had 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


94 

better meet it before it meets us in a more distorted 
manner than the actual fact.” 

“ You may be right from a social point of view,” her 
husband replied, “but from a moral standpoint I can- 
not see that she is any more desirable as an acquaint- 
ance than in the old days. Evidently marriage has had 
little influence over her nature, although she has had 
variety enough to test the problem. I have had a talk with 
Wheelock ; he says she is “no good,” but true to her 
old life. I thought it might be best for us to take a 
furnished house for the rest of the season and leave her 
a clear coast in this hotel, for a house is a man’s castle, 
while an hotel is an abiding place open to all “ pilgrims 
and strangers. ” 

“It is not my nature to retreat from a foe,” Elsa 
quickly replied. “ I had rather go back to the Ridge, 
— there I will be safe from this bird of prey ; but I feel 
little disposition to show the white feather, before an 
alarm is given. She may not renew hostilities, but I 
feel a presentiment she will undermine my content 
through her black art, and I am more faint-hearted than 
I was in the old days of domestic conflict. I have 
grown weak through happiness, and have no desire to 
renew warfare to protect honor. Mrs. Member has al- 
ready proposed organizing a protective union to save 
our husbands from her influence.” 

“She is a great organizer of scandal, in the interest 
of sensation. I don’t trust her beyond my sight, but 
Wheelock is to be depended upon. He has a suspicion 
La Rue is a professional gambler, and she the usual 
accomplice of such a scientist. I was introduced to him 
to-day by Wheelock, and even in conversation he has a 
noticeable movement of the hands that suggest shuffling 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


95 

cards. He may be a nobleman by title, but not by 
nature. His manner is gentlemanly enough, but he has 
the appearance of a black-leg in disguise.” 

“ I shall cut her dead,” Elsa said with emphasis. 

“ No, not entirely on suspicion ; and it may be wise to 
accept their version of affairs. He told me he had 
just come from Baden-Baden to this country, to spec- 
ulate and invest in new interests. He looks like a 
Monaco man, ready for new fields and new victims, in 
this city. I fancy he is ready to aid the countess’s 
efforts in whatever channel she directs.” 

“Do you really believe this?” Elsa asked earnestly. 

“I do not know it, but I suspect it. I think he is a 
man in full accord with the ideas of that Becky Sharp. 
The old count cut her off with an annuity, and her re- 
quirements are many, and he is the kind of man to 
follow at her chariot wheels. Wheelock says he is not 
even a kinsman of Maroni.” 

“ I am sorry I have spoken to her ” — Elsa said depre- 
catingly. “It is so much more easy not to recognize, 
than it is to once recognize, then cut an acquaintance.” 

“ I would recognize her when you meet, but don’t 
introduce or indorse her to others. You can draw the 
line with a silken cord that will neither wound her pride 
nor injure her feelings.” 

“You must he guided by the same policy,” Elsa 
said, with a little caress, to impress the injunction on his 
heart.” 

“ Yes, dear ; we will apply the rule with equal force 
in the conduct of husband and wife. We will give the 
countess and her follower a broad margin in memory 
of her old methods.” 


9 6 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


CHAPTER XIX. 

“I have received cards from the countess/’ the 
senator said a few evenings after their conversation 
about Natalie. “She has selected Tuesdays to receive 
her visitors, and evidently we are expected to be with 
the number. I suppose we had better call and have it 
over. Like all duties the sooner they are performed 
the less they are dreaded. ” 

“She would like to have you call alone, but she will 
find me with you ; when shall we go ? ” 

“This evening as well as any other time,” he re- 
plied. 

Not long after the Countess Maroni received the 
cards of Senator and Mrs. Braintree. They received a 
cordial welcome from a beautiful woman, as brilliant 
as the sparkling gems she wore. She was a type of 
woman to make men admire and women tremble with 
apprehension. She could utter the most pleasing com- 
pliments and solicit favors at the same time in a voice 
hard to resist, nor were men prone to refuse. Mrs. 
Braintree recognized a much more formidable rival in 
the Countess Maroni, who had the self-possession and 
assurance of success backed by a legal right to an 
honored name, than she had met in Natalie De Foe. 

“I intend to visit the Capitol soon, senator,” she said, 
in a voice of great sweetness. “ I hope you will make 
me a specialty, and respond when I send my card ? ” 
“That must depend on circumstances,” he said, 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


97 

cautiously. “ I rarely ever leave the floor unless it is 
to meet one of my own constituency.” 

“Please regard me a favored constituent. I shall 
depend upon you and Senator. Wheelock for my con- 
gressional honors ; and I trust to win easily.” 

She had a way of taking all things for granted. She 
planned drives, calls, receptions and theatre parties like 
an expert, but Mrs. Braintree declined to be one of her 
party so decidedly, there was no opportunity for argu- 
ment, or basis for hope that she would change her 
mind. 

“ I really supposed you were in society,” the countess 
said with cutting sarcasm, “but there is another proof 
that reports are very misleading. Still I am not de~ 
pendent upon any woman for patronage or pleasure. 
I can always find society and enjoyment in my own 
way ; nor have I ever been famous for cultivating 
people. ” 

Soon after they said good-night in a manner not to 
wound pride, but the countess realized she was only a 
formal acquaintance, not a friend, of the Braintrees. 

“You have ruled yourself out of society to escape 
her advancement,” the senator said with a laugh, soon 
as they were alone. 

“Society will exist after she is gone. I made up my 
mind when she was appropriating you, to checkmate 
her opportunities,” 

“She was frozen by your frigid formality,” he re- 
plied. 

“We must begin as we can hold out. I have no as- 
pirations to pass as her godmother in this hotel, or have 
you stand her sponser at the Capitol. I know her better 
than you do. There were chapters in my European ex- 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


98 

perience, I never reduced to writing, but she is thor- 
oughly wicked.” 

“I know it, but she is a very fascinating woman. 
I can understand how men surrender to her charms. I 
really thought better of Jack to-night than I ever have 
before.” 

“Don’t praise that woman to me. You ought to 
know better,” Elsa said, with a flash of temper he had 
never seen before in her blue eyes. “You are not only 
unkind but cruel,” and she burst into tears to prove her 
belief. 

“ What have I said or done to cause your emotion to 
overcome your judgment to this extent? You must be 
ill ! ” 

“Not physically, but sick at heart ; for I foresee the 
revenge that woman intends to work upon me through 
you, and you ought to avert it.” 

“I appreciate your sensitiveness, and greatly regret 
you are forced to meet her again, but do not blame me 
for the misfortune. I confess I am surprised at this un- 
called for grief and your lack of confidence in me,” he 
said, coldly. 

“I am ashamed of my weakness,” she said, quickly. 
“I love you too much not to trust you absolutely, but I 
do not trust her. My jealousy proves that 4 Love sees 
too little or too much. ’ ” 

“ It proves nothing except that you are nervous and 
excited. Old memories have been awakened, perhaps 
an old wound has been opened that you believed was 
healed. No matter what has been the cause, let us 
banish the effect and rule the countess out of our 
lives.’’ 

The episode made an impression on Senator Brain- 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


99 

tree, and he decided never to speak of the countess or 
of her affairs again to his wife, but if she chose to talk 
to him he would listen, for he had been made to realize 
that “Silence is golden.” 

Another week passed without undue agitation, when a 
disturbing element destroyed the calm of silence, by the 
appearance of Mrs. Member, who found her way to 
Mrs. Braintree’s parlor, uninvited, and after a few formal- 
ities made direct issue. 

“ What do you think of Natalie, now ? ” she asked with 
special emphasis in word and manner. 

“I give her very little thought. Her ways are not 
mine, but there is no friction between us.” 

“ There ought to be , when there is so much intimacy 
between her and your husband. You make a mistake 
to take so little interest, when the senator takes so much. 
You may condemn, but evidently he admires. She 
seems very well established in his good graces, I just 
saw them out driving together. She is doing well in a 
social way, and her manner is certainly good.” 

“Her manner was always good, and no one can 
deny her grace and beauty,” Mrs. Braintree said calmly, 
but the iron had entered her soul. Still she made no sign 
before the enemy of her happiness. 

“I don’t see how you can see any manner, grace, or 
beauty in a woman running after your husband ; 
beside you know you hate her.” 

“ Hate has nothing to do with such an apparent fact 
as her beauty. I am wise enough not to ignore facts,” 
she said with a smile. 

“ Well, you may reject gossip ; but I know for a fact, 
the senator is paying her too much attention, since you 
are paying her so little. You may be sure it does not 


IOO 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


escape observation, nor will he escape compromise/’ 
“ If I do not object, why should others ? ” 

“We do not, only on general principles ; but people talk 
more because she was so interested in your first hus- 
band, and all my friends expect to see history repeat 
itself. It is a dangerous rule to give too much margin 
to men. Natalie is appropriating your husband, and 
Countess La Rue mine ; we should unite together against 
our open enemies. I have already had occasion to re- 
monstrate with Mr. Member/' 

“My husband is capable of taking care of his own 
reputation,” Mrs. Braintree replied proudly. 

“I hope he is, but he is inviting doubt just now,” 
Mrs. Member left soon after, evidently satisfied she had 
accomplished effectual work, but she had to confess to 
herself “Mrs. Braintree is an enigma I am unable to 
solve. ” 

Elsa tried hard to suppress the bitter tears of jealousy, 
but they would come, and were kindly aids to her aching 
heart throbbing with anger against the man whom she 
loved better than her life. After the first btorm she calmed 
herself and thought the situation over in a logical man- 
ner, then from a brave true heart, said, “ I will trust him. ” 
Senator Braintree, returning at the usual hour, his 
quick eye detected his wife was troubled. “Elsa,” he 
said, kindly, “I have a confession to make and want 
absolution for there was no intention.” 

“Tell me the truth and you will find me forgiving ; 
but if you deceive, you will find me just” 

“My dear, can you doubt my word?” he asked 
quickly. 

“No, nor your honor, but what does all the gossip 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


IOI 


about you mean ! Mrs. Member has been here, and 
actually crucified me with reports.” 

“ What has she told you ? ” 

Elsa repeated Mrs. Member’s version, then asked in a 
voice indicating- she expected denial. “Were you out 
driving with Natalie this afternoon? ” 

“Yes, and no,” he said. “ Mrs. Member brought her 
to me and sought the favor. She had a draft she was 
anxious to cash and wished to be identified at my bank. 
I ought to have refused, but I did not. I invited Mrs. 
Member to go with us, but she claimed she had a prior 
engagement ; it seems the engagement was to come and 
inform you. We drove directly to the bank, she drew 
her money and I returned alone to the Capitol. This is 
all there is to confess — did I do right?” 

“Yes, had it been any other woman in the world you 
would have been right. I have never watched your 
movements or attentions to ladies to make you feel I am 
a joy extinguisher, but Natalie is so designing, with a 
way of making so much out of a little, I cannot endure 
to have you even polite to her.” 

“ She won’t make much out of me, nor will that tool 
of hers. There is a rumor that Count La Rue has, under 
his skilful manipulations and methods, ruined Member, 
and it is believed he is a professional gambler, affecting 
the society of gentlemen in the disguise of an amateur 
in order to win. ” 

“ I wish they would go. I have not had a moment’s 
peace of mind since they have been here. I am not 
jealous, but I am anxious.” 

“Your anxiety is similar in kind although infinitely 
superior in degree,” he said with a smile, “but don’t 
let your anxiety make you suspicious of me. You 


102 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


know from bitter experience a harvest of great events 
often springs from small seeds. Things very trifling in 
themselves may put in motion a train of momentous 
consequences, and unfounded suspicion open a flood- 
gate of unhappiness. Knowing this, I beg you to be- 
ware of the deceiving tendencies of your anxious heart.” 

“ I know love and jealousy are powerful factors in a 
woman’s life, but I do not intend to permit those', or 
the force of my imagination to mislead my judgment. 
I am convinced I can trust you under great provocation, 
but who can separate love from jealousy ? ” 

“Evidently you cannot, for in many ways the truth 
reveals the secret your heart tries to conceal; but when 
a woman loves, she must make herself happy and 
secure in her faith in the person she loves, and faith 
is neither invoked or purchased, but it should be ab- 
solute between husband and wife.” 

The evening passed quickly in professions of fidelity 
and trust; each believed the countess too much 
occupied with her own affairs to pay much attention to 
theirs. 

■I 


CHAPTER XX. 

Mary Holmes had followed the fortunes of Mrs. 
Braintree, from childhood with unswerving fidelity. She 
has been her trusted companion, as maid, wife, and 
widow. She knew all of Elsa Gilroy’s sorrow, and 
like her mistress she was not only exclusive, but silent 
about private affairs. She was invincible and utterly 
incapable of domestic treachery, and the sterling char- 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


I °3 

acteristics of her character not only gave her the place 
of trusted friend, but made her a tower of strength. 
She entered into all the joys and sorrows, hopes and 
cares of her mistress, with devotion seldom met out- 
side of fiction. Mary knew how highly she was es- 
teemed, but she never crossed the border line of her 
position, but like a faithful watch-dog she was true and 
vigilant in her steadfast fidelity. In the old days when 
her mission was to watch the master, she was true to 
her trust She hated Natalie De Foe, with intense 
hatred, nor did she claim to have diplomacy enough to 
disguise the fact, or deceit, to tolerate the woman who had 
crossed her mistress’s path. When Colonel Gilroy died 
her emotion overcame discretion, and it was said she 
did not withhold her opinion of the matter from Count 
Maroni, and it was claimed without contradiction she 
was loud enough in her denunciations to reach his deaf 
ear. She sowed a seed of revenge, and a harvest of 
vengeance followed. The count left his estate to a 
kinsman ; that was satisfaction enough to make her 
content. Mary was a faithful disciple of Senator 
Braintree. When he became master her happiness was 
complete, and like a true servant she felt the pride of 
reflected glory. When she found her old enemy had 
arrived in Washington and appropriated even an act of 
courtesy from him, she was scandalized, and expressed 
her sentiments in a manner that plainly indicated that 
hatred was not dead, only sleeping, and the actual pres- 
ence of the object awakened her to conflict 

“Miss Elsa,” she said, in her quaint, old-fashioned 
way, “she will make us trouble. She will try her 
black art on the senator. She don’t love me, but I will 
make her fear me enough to let him alone. ” 


104 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


Elsa smiled at her quickly aroused fears. She saw 
the watch-dog of her happiness and the honor of her 
husband was ready for social warfare. “You can keep 
an eye on her, Mary, but don’t make an attack unless I 
say ‘go.’ I rather think your knowledge, with watch- 
fulness of her movements will checkmate her ‘game.’” 

“You may be sure / will,” Mary replied quickly. 

“Remember, Mary, I have no interest in Natalie or 
her movements ; I ignore her.” 

“ I am not too high-toned to put her in her place, if 
she commences her old game. I hate her, and she will 
find an equal match in me.” 

“You hate her for my sake. I remember your un- 
solicited attention to her when she was with Jack, but 
the senator has no desire for her company. Still, you 
will find time to wait on her movements.” 

“I have not forgotten how to follow her trail, but I am 
more afraid of the senator than I was of Colonel Gilroy. 
I would hate to have him know I was on special duty. 
You must inform him of my appointment, for unless 
you tell him that I am acting under your orders he will 
resent it. ” 

“ I will attend to that part, Mary. I hate this social 
constable duty, but it is my only safe-guard against 
such a social pestilence as she is.” 

“I do not doubt the senator. I only doubt her,” 
Mary replied. “Nor am I the only one. I asked the 
bell-boy a few questions for information, and he said, 

‘ They are frauds, common people disguised by money 
but, he, don’t think the money comes from an estate. 
You know servants can measure men and women with 
great accuracy. They seldom make mistakes.” 

“Yes, Mary, I know servants are great discoverers 


A social Diplomat. 


105 

for or against people ; their instinct seems unerring, but 
they are quickly prejudiced." 

“I don’t think it is the result of prejudice, the boy 
said, ‘ if they were quality they would not talk so free- 
ly before strange servants about private affairs.’ ” 

“They know servants are good reporters.’’ 

“That may be, Miss Elsa, but the general opinion 
in the servants’ hall is that they are not aristocracy at 
home or abroad.’’ 

While Mrs. Braintree and maid were planning defen- 
sive operations, the Countess Maroni and her maid were 
planning an aggressive campaign to win victory over 
their old enemy, regardless of consequence. 

“Adele, do you ever meet that horrid Yankee woman 
of Mrs. Braintree’s ? ’’ 

“Occasionally, and I snub her as often in French.’’ 

“But she understands French as well as you do, so 
you must be discreet. Do you think she is talking 
much? ” 

“I have heard that she has said you are a countess 
without money or reputation, living on your wits.’’ 

“ She made me a countess without money, but I will 
make her mistress make that loss good, with her bank 
account, and pay for the treachery through her heart 
She was the guilty one ; the woman acted under orders. ’’ 

“ I am glad you have money in view,’’ Adele replied, 
“for we shall need more soon.” 

“Antonio has old Member in hand. That means 
money. He knows his game and plays to win.” 

“I hope all your plans will mature well, for you can- 
not count on the Wheelocks in case of emergency. 
Why? Yesterday their butler told me they were 


I0 6 A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 

not proud of you as they ought to be, and he resented 
their cheap talk about you and your affairs, and re- 
peated to me.” 

“ He is a man worthy of attention. Keep his mouth 
to your ear. ” 

“All right, I am not deaf, and he has a tongue, be- 
sides he likes to be interviewed ! Do you go to the 
Capitol this afternoon ? ” 

“ Yes, and I hope my reception will be equal to my 
ambition.” 

“ Do you like the senator? ” Adele asked quizzically. 

“No, I hate him, but I can reach the wife through 
the husband.” 

“ But will he be reached ? ” 

“I don’t care whether he is or not, so long as I can 
make it appear that he is. You must aid me in keep- 
ing up the appearance. You talk him all the time be- 
fore the servants in the hotel, and give his name as 
authority for everything. Tell Senator Wheelock’s butler 
all that is essential for Mrs. Wheelock to know. I will 
keep Mrs. Member informed, and Antonio will do the 
subject justice at the clubs and hotels. We are a heavy 
combination to bring about desired results. I can 
cross out old scores, and make money by the opera- 
tion.” 

“ I can’t see how you are to realize your expectations, 
unless you have some tangible hold on him, in order 
to spring a scandal,” Adele said inquiringly. “You 
don’t know Washington. No truth and a little fiction 
will start a first-class scandal. Mrs. Member is my 
agent to report cause and effect. I know Elsa Gil- 
roy’s pride. She will pay any price to prevent expose, 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


107 

then cover up her tracks from the senator. I know 
her methods, and I have an opportunity. 

“ Do you suppose Mrs. Member told her you were 
out driving with him yesterday ? ” 

“Yes, I gave her a diamond ring, and under the 
flash of that inspiration she did remarkably well.” 

“ Does any one remark your opal ? ” Mary asked. 

“ Yes, it is admired, but I never speak of its wonder- 
ful influence over my life and affairs. I have not in- 
trusted the secret even to Antonio.” 

Will he go to the Capitol with you? ” 

“No, he is engaged upon a scientific problem, which 
he hopes to demonstrate to my satisfaction. The pro- 
cess of converting one thousand dollars into ten thou- 
sand is a science I not only approve but highly appre- 
ciate.” 

“Does he give a supper to-night? ” 

“ Yes, as a scientist he has to entertain liberally. He 
has to meet comprehensive men who are able to grasp 
his methods from his own point of view, and a good 
supper enables him to win honors easy.” 

About four o’clock in the afternoon of that day the 
countess appeared in the Ladie s Private Gallery of the 
Senate Chamber in due state. Many wondering eyes 
sought the vision of beauty looking down upon the hard 
heads and soft hearts of the old senators, with innocent 
curiosity. The new sensation sent her card to several 
senators who responded with alacrity. Senators Hart- 
well and Wheelock responded upon the principle : A 
magnet attracts, I cannot resist. After they had paid 
their respects she sent her card “To Senator Braintree.” 
He probably thought as his colleagues did, but attached 
an amendment : There is no danger of compromise in a 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


108 

common act of courtesy. He went to the gallery, and 
for a few minutes was favored with the countess’s most 
charming smiles and winning attention. 

“ Please, senator, show me to my carriage. I am 
alone to-day,” she said, as he was about to leave. 

They left the gallery together. To the senator’s sur- 
prise he encountered Mary Holmes, and the flash in 
her eye made him wish he was on the floor. “Mary, 
I will return in a minute,” he said, as he passed down 
the stairs with a satisfied woman, who had accom- 
plished more than she anticipated by visiting the Capitol. 

“ Is Mrs. Braintree at the Capitol? ” he asked quickly, 
as he approached Mary. 

“ No, but she told me to come and hear the debate.” 

“Very well, Mary, you need not wait any longer. The 
occasion has left ; the debate will be at home.” 

“ My first duty is to obey Miss Elsa,” she replied 
apologetically. 

“Certainly, but you have not a Jack on your hands this 
time. There is no work here for a constable of social 
morals, so far as I am concerned, for I feel fully cap- 
able of attending to my own affairs. You can come 
with me,” he said, as he led the way to the marble 
room. “You can wait here until I go home. I prefer 
reporting this episode in person. ” 

The senator and Mary returned to the hotel together. 
Mary had no opportunity to report her observations or 
the result, but Elsa realized without explanation. 

“Elsa,” he said in a tone that indicated much temper. 
“ I want no detective of private morals on my path. 
Mary did not deceive me. I know that you were the ap- 
pointing power, but you must call that watch-dog off 
from duty at the Capitol. You are both welcome to 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


109 

watch me, but let it be a secret service. A man hates 
the espionage of female detectives in public more than 
he hates a debating club at home to decide upon his 
morals. Such methods, Elsa, are unworthy of your 
name and nature ; they make men rebel against the de- 
vices resorted to, the doubter of their morals, and the 
agent employed. You have made a mistake. Mary 
must abandon her desire to hear the debates of Congress, 
for it is a fruitless mission ; and we will confine our 
debates to our own home. I am too much occupied 
with work to be disturbed by jealousy, and have too 
much temper to be watched in public places.” 

Elsa was silenced. She knew she merited rebuke, 
and like a wise woman she respected the senator’s just 
anger, but a shadow crossed her path. She tried to look 
through the clear eye-glasses of truth and trust, but the 
magnifying-glasses of suspicion and jealousy were 
powerful lenses, and not only obscured her vision but 
warped her judgment. She looked forward with longing 
to the day of adjournment of Congress, when, in the secu- 
rity of home, she would be removed from her old 
enemy. 


* CHAPTER XXI. 

Not long after the episode at the Capitol, Elsa repeated 
an item of gossip without any comment of her own. 

“I am told Countess Maroni is to be one of the 
receiving party at the Presidential Reception next Tues- 
day night.” 

11 I do not credit your item of social gossip,” the 
senator said, pleasantly, “but if it is true, there must be a 


no 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


great scarcity of social material. Who is given the 
credit of inviting her ? ” 

“ I was told a member of Congress was at a recent 
supper given by La Rue, where he played high and lost, 
but that the countess offered to cancel the obligation if 
he would successfully aid her social aspiration to be 
one of the battalion invited to receive. It is said he 
arranged the matter through his wife, and that she is to 
act as chaperone. ” 

“ A new way to pay debts of honor, and strong 
proof that society is cheap when such pinchbeck is 
forced on the market, but I shall doubt the story unless 
I see her in line. ” 

“ You may be sure of one thing — if ever you are 
President, there will be no gauntlet to run of promis- 
cuous persons chosen for style. If I am not attractive 
enough to draw we will decide upon some other device 
to fill the White House.” 

“ I agree with you and wish the social nuisance could 
he done away with ; but it occurs to me your capacity 
for hearing gossip has developed wonderfully ; but the 
material is interesting. Anything more ? ” 

“ I have an item in support of vanity, and I want 
your approval. ” 

“ I suppose that means you want my money.” 

‘ ‘ I want new ear ornaments, and have an oppor- 
tunity to buy just such a pair as I have long coveted. ” 

“ Get them by all means if they will prevent your 
hearing gossip about me.” 

“Yes, but $ 2,000 is quite a sum just to please vanity. 
But they are very brilliant ; they will attract eyes and 
many silence tongues. ” 

“They are worth the price if they will close your ears ; 


A SOCIAL 'DIPLOMAT. 


Ill 


besides they will be a good setting to your pretty face. 
Get them and wear them to the reception next Tuesday.” 

“I will, but an expert of my own selection is to 
appraise them before I purchase.” 

“The word of the house is sufficient for me, ” the 
senator replied. 

“It is not from a regular jeweler, but a dealer 
authorized to sell the diamonds for a lady, who needs 
the money.” 

At that moment the cards of Senator and Mrs. Whee- 
lock were received and the topic of conversation 
changed. 

“I have heard Natalie is to be one of the receiving 
party at the President’s reception.” Mrs. Braintree re- 
marked to Senator Wheelock. 

“It can’t be possible,” he replied in disgust. 

“All things are possible with her,” Mrs Wheelock re- 
plied. “She claims she controls her own fate, and brings 
all things to pass that she desires through her black art. 
It is said she has brought her Baden-Baden methods here 
as specialty, and makes diamonds her stock in trade to 
cover financial tracks in case of emergency. I am told 
La Rue’s valet acts as diamond broker. ” 

Senator Braintree and his wife exchanged glances as 
he said: “You had better inform yourself about the 
historic gems you desire to purchase of an unknown 
broker. ” 

“ I shall not buy the jewels. I have no use for such 
gems,” Elsa said with emphasis. Then she related to 
Mr and Mrs. Wheelock the investment she had decided 
to make in diamonds. The four believed without proof 
that La Rue’s valet was the diamond broker in question. 

The Wheelocks spoke of the matter the next morning 


112 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


at breakfast in presence of the butler, and before ten 
o’clock he had been interviewed by the enterprising 
Adele, and her mistress informed “the Braintrees had 
discovered the broker, and refused to buy the jewels.” 

“Tell Antonio to come here without delay,” was the 
countess’s reply. 

He responded. The two worked over an order for a 
while, then laughed at their skill. The count left with 
a letter, purporting to be from Senator Braintree direct- 
ing that the diamond ear ornaments be sent by special 
messenger to the address of Countess Maroni, First Hotel, 
City. With the order was enclosed $2,000 cash. Antonio 
delivered the jewels to the countess. The valet retained 
the order to use where it would create scandal, but 
to destroy in case of legal inquiry. That night at the 
President’s Reception the countess and her diamonds were 
conspicuous and greatly admired. Mrs. Braintree believed 
she recognized the historic jewels she had coveted ; but 
to make sure she had not deceived herself, she decided to 
send Mary the next morning to the broker, and ascer- 
tain if she still had the refusal. The report Mary made 
was a physical and moral shock to her mistress. 

“What did he say, Mary? 

“ He says he sold the diamonds to Senator Braintree 
yesterday, and received the price he asked. He said 
they were sent by messenger to a lady at the First Hotel, 
but that her name was not Braintree. ” 

Elsa was dazed, but offered no comment ; she would 
neither exonerate or condemn, but let the senator explain. 
Are they deceiving me she asked ? but the interrogation 
remained unanswered. She spent a long weary day, 
with hope and fear for her companions ; but she was 
inclined to give her husband the benefit of a doubt, 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


ll 3 

for there was a lingering idea the diamonds belonged 
by right to the countess, and the broker would not 
hesitate to manufacture a story to suit the occasion 
knowing as he did the parties interested. 

When Senator Braintree returned she greeted him as 
usual, saying : “I am waiting for my reward. Where 
are my diamonds ? ” 

“ Are you still desirous to make the purchase? ” 

“ No, since you have bought them for me." 

“I have not, but I will if they are what they seem.” 

“The broker says he has sold them to you, and 
what is more compromising, he has given out the im- 
pression they were sent to the countess by your order.” 

The senator’s denial was more emphatic than elegant. 

“ I know nothing of the man or the diamonds, but I 
will soon know more. This assertion is too bold to 
make the transaction a mystery beyond my depth to 
solve.” 

The senator went to the broker’s place of business and 
demanded explanation in a manner that admitted of no 
subterfuge or denial. 

“I received a letter yesterday with $ 2,000 enclosed 
and directing me to send the jewels desired by Mrs. 
Braintree to the First Hotel. I remember the name of 
Braintree was mentioned, and knowing your wife in- 
tended to make the purchase I sent as ordered ; but I 
may have been mistaken in the name signed to the 
order, for it was of little consequence to me as I had my 
price in hand.” 

“ Let me see the forged order,” the senator demanded. 

“ I destroyed it,” the man replied. 

“ You are a fraud and the agent of impostors. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


114 

You will hear from me again, unless you get beyond 
the reach of the law. ” 

No sooner had the ireful senator left, than the man 
“ closed up business” and hastened to his patrons. 

“What is it? ” they both asked quickly. 

“Old Braintree has been to see me. He will make 
a row about the forged order as he calls it. He said I 
was a fraud and you were impostors, and he would give 
us the length of the law. We had better go as soon as 
we can. This place is a village, I have worked it for all 
it is worth; but New York is a town, where there is 
some chance of success without notoriety.” 

“ You are right. We will be off Sunday night, but 
we must all do good work in short time. I will have 
the last supper to-night,” the count said to the countess. 

“Adele will be on hand to help you out; her signs 
are infallible. I wonder she has never been dis- 
covered,” the countess said, with a laugh. 

“She understands the silent language too well to be 
caught by Americans, who are all talk ; beside, she can 
work that ring of yours like an expert of the Evil Eye.” 

Senator Braintree returned, in no mode to discuss 
probabilities. He made a simple statement of the re- 
port made by the man and denied all complicity in the 
compromising transaction.” 

“Your word is sufficient, senator, but you ought to 
take action, for evidently there is a conspiracy against 
us.” 

“There may be, but if we refuse to see it there will 
be little damage done. It has been my wish and policy 
of action to allow those adventurers to leave the Capitol 
without an expose on our part. 

The next morning Senator Braintree went to the 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


“5 

Capitol with a clear conscience and congratulated him- 
self on the sterling qualities of his wife’s character. He 
felt the lesson he taught her against suspicion, and his 
desire “ to be let alone ” had been effective. He ordered 
a basket of flowers, and with them sent a note to Mrs. 
Braintree, Number 50, First Hotel, by a page from the 
Greenhouse, in which he wrote : 

“Darling, do not be disturbed about the diamonds. I am of 
the opinion silence on our part will avert gossip. I will be with you 
as soon as possible, and if diamonds will win a smile, you shall have 
as many as you desire.” 

The page did as he was directed, but the messenger 
proved to be unacquainted with the locality of Senator 
Braintree’s room, and had not sense enough to leave 
the flowers at the office, but was seen by the countess 
wandering through the hall. As she was one of the 
favorite ladies of the Flowery Kingdom, she intercepted 
the messenger thinking the compliment was hers. In an 
instant she recognized an opportunity, and appropriated 
the flowers. She returned to her room, replaced the 
note in an envelope addressed to herself, sent for a dis- 
trict messenger and ordered him “to run and leave the 
basket of flowers at No. 50, and return without a mo- 
ment’s delay to do another message for her. ” All worked 
as she planned ; the flowers were thrust into Mary’s 
hands without comment. Such reminders from the 
senator were common occurrences, but Mrs. Braintree’s 
quick eyes discovered the supposed mistake, and they 
recognized the familiar handwriting of her husband and 
read the name of Countess Maroni. Without a moment’s 
hesitation she broke the seal and read fatal words to 
crush her soul ) for written words cannot be talked 
away, and from the bitterness of her heart she mourned 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


a broken idol. She hesitated, then a resolve followed 
by action animated her desperation of purpose. 

“Mary, I cannot see the senator again until I can 
forgive and forget this treachery. I shall go to Old Point 
this afternoon. You can come to-morrow. No gossip 
will arise if we are discreet. You can say to the ser- 
vants we are going to the Hygeia for a few days — they 
will not know that I went alone. You can tell the 
senator everything ; ” then followed the bitter truth of 
his betrayal of confidence, and his surrender to their old 
enemy. The two broken-hearted women could find no 
defence for the man they worshipped. Yet both were 
anxious to avert scandal and save his name from 
disgrace. 

“I shall continue his wife, and in the eyes of the 
world there will be no change, but he has killed my 
love, he has blighted my happiness. I shall hate dia- 
monds and flowers as long as I live, for they have 
ruined my life. ” 

Mary felt she must make one appeal, offer one pro- 
test in Senator Braintree’s favor. 

“Miss Elsa, this trouble is beyond me. I cannot ad- 
vise but I can follow you and defend your action ; but I 
cannot believe the senator guilty unless he says that he 
is. I fear there is some great mistake.” 

“But, Mary, the logic of circumstances and evidence 
is against him, and written words convicting. All we 
have in his favor is blind faith.” 

“We have his past life to plead for him, and it o4giIi 
not to plead in vain. ” 

“ It may not, Mary ; but I cannot trust myself to see 
him. I know I should yield and I must not, for his be- 
trayal is the most cruel blow I have ever received,” 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


II 7 

Speedy preparations followed ; they were ready for the 
5 p. m. boat. The two parted in tears. Elsa crossed, 
the Rubicon. She did not say it was forever, but how, 
when, or where she and her husband would meet again 
were open questions. 


CHAPTER XXII. 

Senator Braintree returned home to meet a condition 
he little expected. He was dumbfounded ; he could 
not grasp the situation from any point of view in a 
justifiable light. Mary faithfully repeated all that had 
occurred, but offered no opinion. 

“She must have left a letter for me. She would not 
leave without written words of censure. ” 

“ She said nothing to me about a letter ; but she did 
say, ‘ conscience will punish him/ ” 

“My conscience is clear. Elsa has acted under de- 
lusion. I have never deceived her. I know no more 
than she does about the diamonds or flowers. I have 
never written a word or sent a flower to that woman.” 

“But Miss Elsa believed that you did, the proof 
seemed positive. ” 

“Yes, Elsa believes she is right ; but she is radically 
wrong. If what she fancies were true, how poorly re- 
compensed she has been for all the treasures of mind 
a. . j^^art she brought me. You must go to her and 
make her realize the truth of my assertion. Tell her I 
will reach the bottom fact if it costs me my life.” 

“ I will, senator, for I believe you ; but there is strong 
circumstantial evidence to overcome,” 


i8 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


‘‘Apparently there is, but I can clear it awa y.” 

“ But you can’t stop the deviltry of that woman, with 
her black arts, for she is the devil’s own agent. I know 
she can deceive the very Elect.” 

The senator closely scanned the writing on the envel- 
ope. “I am not surprised Elsa believed this my writ- 
ing,” he said, reflectively. “ I would swear it was mine. 
I must have been crazy to have made such a mistake when 
that woman had no lodgment in my thoughts.” He 
blamed Fate more than Elsa for his desertion. He told 
Mary to get ready to go to Old Point the next day, to 
take all their effects and not return ; that he would 
join them at the Hygeia soon as Congress adjourned. 
He went to the office and informed the clerk of their 
changed plans, and ordered the porter to call for bag- 
gage the next morning. Upon returning to his room 
he went to his desk. There he found a letter addressed 
to himself. 

“ Dear Senator : — 

“ I am not strong enough to face the calamity that has be- 
fallen me, but I am weak enough to run from it. This decis- 
ion was reached after a mental conflict, and a resolution 
formed from which there will be no appeal. I have the 
courage to act, and am prepared to follow the resolve of my 
head instead of the impulse of my heart. Under the excite- 
ment of injustice and betrayal, resolutions are often made 
that decide one’s whole future. I have not made such a re- 
solve. I shall remain your wife and bear whatever burden 
God sees fit for me to endure, but it is best for me to be alone. 
I leave you from a sense of justice and equity, and to leave 
you in anger has nearly broken my heart ; but my hope is, 
that the insane infatuation will quickly pass, and that you 
will seek and find your truest friend. 

“ I could have borne any other cross with more patience, but 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


1 19 

pride forbids me to endure this special disgrace. I feel such 
a sense of injustice to be defrauded of my happiness by my 
old rival that my heart is dumb — it no longer pleads for you. 
I deserve a better fate from your hands, and in anguish I 
plead you to spare me further punishment. 

“ I hate to go out alone to conquer my love, for your heart 
has been the haven of my soul, but if it is my destiny to suf- 
fer again through infidelity, I will abide the consequences 
without complaint. 

“ I will keep you informed of my movements and trust our 
unhappiness is only temporary, and will be sacred to our- 
selves. Remember you are on the brink of domestic, social, 
and political ruin. It has been my constant and earnest 
prayer that you might escape the quicksands of public life, 
and escape censure. I believed you had principle and pride 
to control your life, and possessed of will and conviction not 
to yield to weakness and folly to be regretted when regrets 
are beyond recall. I beg you to banish everything unworthy 
of your life and position and again take your place in my life 
as the good and great man I loved and married ‘ Until 
death do us part.’ 

“ Yours Faithfully, 

Elsa.” 

Senator Braintree read and re-read his wife’s letter, 
then placed it in his breast pocket. He wrote an af- 
fectionate letter in reply without referring to cause or 
effect of her departure. The next morning Mary made 
a quiet exodus for Old Point. 

When the senator left her on the boat, he said : 

‘‘Do all you can for Elsa’s comfort. I know how 
acutely she is suffering, but it is only temporary. She 
is not well, her nervous system is under tension and 
separation will do her good. Tell her I will join her 
soon as Congress adjourns.” ****** * 


20 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


Senator Braintree by nature and practice was direct in 
all his methods, but in this affair he hesitated before 
acting. He realized conspirators were at work, and 
knew wherever conspiracy was found danger existed. 
He thought of Mr. Member, knowing that he had been 
made a financial victim of the count ; he believed he 
would aid the social victim of the countess. He wrote 
a note asking to call at his rooms without fail that 
evening, at eight o’clock, as he had special reasons for 
seeing him. 

At the appointed hour Mr. Member entered the room 
of Senator Braintree a sycophant, he left a man. 

“ Member,” the senator said, frankly, “we are both 
victims of conspiracy. I want your aid, and in return 
you can have my help. I want facts, you want money. ” 
Then followed mutual explanations of the situation, and 
knowledge of the schemers’ plots to compromise one 
socially, and ruin the other financially. 

“Tell me what your wife has told you, and I will 
unite her romances with truth.” 

“I have only my wife’s word,” Mr. Member said, 
cautiously, “and you must decide upon its value. But I 
will swear that she told me last night about the dia- 
monds and flowers, and admitted the countess was 
plotting your ruin. She was angry with me, for I ad- 
mitted I had lost my money. She said she would pay 
them back by exposing the diamond transaction 
which involved a forgery, and that the flowers were 
obtained by fraud; that the countess opened your note 
to Mrs. Braintree, re-directed a Senate envelope she had 
to her own address, imitating your handwriting per- 
fectly, and sent the flowers by another messenger to 
your wife, She also claimed your wife had left you, 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


121 


and that divorce proceedings will be instituted by Mrs. 
Braintree in New York, where the decree is only granted 
for one offence. You see, senator, there is danger 
when such a constitutional liar attacks one’s domestic 
life.” 

“I believed all that you have told me, now my belief 
is confirmed. I am under obligations to you, and wish 
to know the true situation of your own affairs.” 

“I am beyond help. My wife has quarrelled with 
the Wheelocks. I am not returned to Congress, and 
have not a dollar in the world. In the vain hope of 
recovering myself I ventured even my salary under the 
direction and inducement of that swindler La Rue, and 
have lost everything, and I have nothing to pay my 
bills, and have neither credit nor influence at home, or 
here.” 

“ Have you paid your debts of honor? ” 

“Yes ; I was under threat of exposure, but the hour the 
debt was paid that scarlet-woman informed my wife, 
and you can fancy consequences.” 

“ Does Wheelock know the true story?” 

“ Yes ; he, like every one else, knows I have made a 
fool of myself. I cannot ask him to help me out, for 
my wife has ruined me in his estimation.” 

“What plans have you for the future? ” 

“I cannot go home, and there is only one % thing left 
for me to do here, start as a claim agent.” 

“ Don’t swell the list of brilliant paupers hanging on 
to Congress as claim agents. Go to New Mexico, begin 
a new life and win a new future. I can let you have 
all the money you need, and wait until you are able to 
repay me.” 

“Are you in earnest, senator?” 


122 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 

“ I am not famous for misleading by false promises, 
or raising vain hopes. I claim to be a man of my word/’ 

“I know it, but this is so unexpected. ,, 

“The unexpected always happens. * I don’t suppose 
you expected to lose your money.” After a few pre- 
liminaries Mr. Member was in possession of funds to 
meet all his obligations in Washington, and commence 
a new life in New Mexico. 

“You are not obliged to tell any one where you 
obtained your money ; allow the transaction to remain 
private between us, for I have no faith in Mrs. Mem- 
ber’s discretion or construction of the affair,” the senator 
said with emphasis. 

“You have as much as I have. I trust she will do 
better in the Indian country than she has in civilization, 
or I hope she will be scalped,” Mr. Member said with a 
laugh. 

“I should^ not be afflicted at your loss,*’ Senator 
Braintree said in the same tone. 

Senator Braintree wished to avoid publicity, unless 
actually necessary. He believed the Countess would 
see that she was caught in her own trap, and would 
admit her duplicity and depart from Washington without 
delay. Naturally he was a cautious man, but under the 
excitement of Mr. Member’s revelation he forgot to 
exercise the forethought every man should observe 
when charging a dangerous woman with crime. He 
went to the Countess’ rooms alone. 

She met him without the slightest visible trepidation. 
He made a direct charge against her and her accomplice. 
She denied every specification ; but when told actual 
proof existed, and that the day had passed for false 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


123 

courtesy, she changed her rble. She was defiant, and 
dared him to bring any charge against her. 

“This is a case for a court of justice to settle, and 
there will be no compromise on my part unless you 
retract to my wife. ” 

Senator Braintree had declined the invitation “to sit 
down and talk it over,” and was standing near the door. 
The countess saw he was to leave without allowing her 
magnetic influence to overcome his prejudice, when a 
terrified shriek of “Help! help ! ” shocked her victim 
into forgetfulness of everything but the compromising 
situation in the light of scandal ; but there was no 
escape. Antonio and Adele rushed to the rescue ; and, 
with loud denunciations, Count La Rue demanded satis- 
faction, as he flourished a long dirk in proximity to the 
senator, who took vengeance in an uncompromising 
manner, and with strength equal to the occasion 
administered a stunning blow, that felled fris assailant 
senseless at his feet Then, to increase the sensation, 
the cry of “ Murder ! ” was uttered with startling effect 
by the two women who had caused the scene. The 
desired end was obtained, and the compromising episode 
made public. 

Senator Braintree was the only unexcited person in the 
hotel : he knew the truth, and was supported by 
evidence. He went to the proprietor, stated the facts, 
and in less than an hour the countess and party had left 
the hotel, under peremptory orders, and left the city the 
same night to avoid arrest. The reporters gave details 
of a thrilling adventure. Rich material was offered for 
a sensation, and Senator Braintree was made a hero of 
a black-mail conspiracy, interspersed with contingent 
doubts, to produce a variety of opinions. He offered 


124 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


no explanation, nor did he send the papers containing 
the report of the fracas to his wife. Cold print, a long 
distance from the truth, is not interesting reading to 
victims. 

The following morning he received a letter that would 
have made him happy as a lover with a love letter, had 
not the event of the night previous occurred to dampen 
his enthusiasm. “ I ought to answer this letter in per- 
son,” he said to himself, “ but it is almost impossible 
for me to find time to write, much less to leave. I will 
only send a note, with the hope I will be her first 
informant of the scandal.” 


Senate Chamber, March 2nd. 

“ My Bear Elsa : — 

“ A moment ago, while this chamber was in disorder and strife over 
adjournment and bills, your letter reached me like a breath of spring, 
a flood of sunlight, beautiful in thought and expression, and awakens 
sentiments to be remembered. I will be with you Sunday, when we 
will have a long talk, face to face, of matters not wise to trust to the 
postman’s care. I rejoice, dear Elsa, in your decision, and pray God 
it may be permanent and sincere. — Yours always, “ P. H. B.” 

The same mail conveyed another letter to Elsa, which 
turned her day to night. 


“ Washington, D. C., March 2 nd. 

“ Mrs. P. H. Braintree : — 

“ 1 feel it a duty to inform you of well known facts that have been 
made public, and with this send you newspaper clippings to confirm 
my words. Senator Braintree brought an adventuress to the Capitol 
and forced her on society. He has given her a fortune in diamonds, 
and made her the means of robbing honest men of large amounts of 
money ‘ by ways that are dark.’ On Tuesday night he was found 
in her private room, and when discovered he made a murderous 
attack on Count La Rue, that shocked the hotel into a sensation. The 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


125 

city is alive with the scandal, and he is ruined socially. We are glad 
his game has ended disastrously for himself, but we all feel sorry for 
you, and in proof of my sincerity I hasten to inform you. 

“A Friend.” 

“ The story is verified; the last link in the chain of 
evidence to prove my husband’s infidelity is established. 
Mary,” she said, in a metallic voice, “ I am to act again. 
There is nothing to be said against my plans. We will 
leave on the 2 p. m. train for New York.” 

“ But the senator is coming to-morrow to speak for 
himself. To leave to-day is madness.” 

“ It may be madness on my part, but he must be 
crazy,” Elsa said, with a heavy sigh. 

“ I know I will be if I do not put the Atlantic between 
me and trouble. I am going to join Cousin Annie 
Douglass in Europe ; will you go with me ? ” 

“ Yes, to the ends of the world ; but the day will 
come when we shall both regret this escapade in sack- 
cloth and ashes.” 

“ I am responsible for this action, and upon me will 
rest the consequences.” 

“ We must telegraph him not to come,” Mary replied. 

“ You attend to the packing. I want to be alone and 
think the matter over from both sides.” Elsa remained 
a few minutes in deep thought, then, amid doubts and 
tears, wrote : — 

“I had forgiven, I was anxious to condone, but the last 
blow has renewed the contest between my head and heart, 
and my head has conquered. I send enclosures. You alone 
know how much truth, how much falsehood, there is in these 
reports. I do not . I am going to Europe to stay with cousin 
Annie until you can come for me in the old likeness I 
used to know before the shadows lengthened over our hearts 


126 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


and home. You may think I am wrong, I do not even argue 
that I am right. You know I am not logical, but you are 
strong enough to forgive weakness, and I will try to love you 
well enough to forgive sin. I will telegraph you from New 
York, then you had better cable to Sidney that we are en 
route for Naples, and that you intend to join us soon as you 
can. This will give a coloring of respectability to my sudden 
advent without your presence. Think of me as I will of you. 
Try and recall the past instead of the mortification and sorrow 
of the present. 

“ Yours always, 

“Elsa.” 

Senator Braintree read the letter so filled with affection 
and sorrow with varied emotions, but anger with him- 
self and all concerned was the leading sentiment ; he 
decided to give Elsa all the rope she wished. “ She con- 
demns me without a hearing upon circumstantial evi- 
dence. The evidence was manufactured and could have 
been quickly exposed. I suppose, however, ‘ What is, is 
best.’ A man who attempts to thwart a woman under 
the domination of love or jealousy, loses his time and 
gains no satisfaction.” 

In due time he received the expected telegram. He 
cabled to Sidney Douglass at Naples, then returned to his 
home alone. He told his people Mrs. Braintree had 
gone to Europe to visit Mrs. Douglass, and that he in- 
tended to join her in June. This explanation was all 
that was necessary ; besides, it was known Mrs. Douglass 
was to return to America in the fall, and it was natural 
Mrs. Braintree joined her early in the season. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, \ 


127 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

Mrs. Braintree arrived in Naples in due time to re- 
ceive a warm welcome from her cousin, Mrs. Douglass, 
and her son Sidney. Both were surprised to have her 
visit them without her husband, but no surprise was ex- 
pressed; no explanations followed, and they looked for- 
ward to his expected visit with much pleasure. Each 
week Senator Braintree received a letter, and each letter 
was more ardent than the last. He found himself smil- 
ing over Elsa’s formality of diction, but he read between 
the lines. Why don’t you come for me ? 

Elsa wrote graphic letters filled with descriptions of 
people, nature, and things. In one letter she said, 

“ I have not confided even to Cousin Annie my heart trou- 
ble, nor can I prove to myself that I have endured a wife’s 
trial under your name. Annie punishes me daily by talking 
of the virtues of her lamented husband. She thinks the Judge 
was more than mortal while we know he was very human; but 
she idolizes his memory. I cannot bring myself to confess that 
I have had an experience, and praise of my senator runs 
parallel with her. Judge, I want neither pity nor sympathy, 
all I desire is your love. 

“Sidney is a delightful companion. He is the idol of his 
mother, a true exponent of the poetry of life, eminently the 
kind of a man women love. He is very like his father, a great 
favorite in society, and is regarded a matrimonial desirability, 
but he gives no signs. I do not believe he will marry as we 
have desired, although he is domestic and sympathetic in his 
nature; but he is an enthusiast over beauty and gravitates 


128 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


where it is found, and under its magical influence he does not 
always trouble himself to make sure he is acting wisely. He 
will never be constant, for the most beautiful is the most at- 
tractive; and he has a fault of making every handsome woman 
seem very dear to him. In a superlative quality he is a true 
son of his father, generous, brave, and not always discreet with 
fralities common to mankind, but a true, chivalrous gentle- 
man; his heart fortified against social evil, and his safe-guard 
is his good principle and refined taste supported by his mother’s 
love. He is very handsome, highly accomplished and ex- 
tremely obliging; he admires women, delights in horses, dogs, 
and boats, and is loved by his friends and worshipped by his 
servants. 

“ Cousin Charley is also a charming fellow. He is an 
artistic Bohemian, in the full enjoyment of life, floating with 
the tide. I belong, however, to the Noah Ark type instead of 
the present Yacht Century. Still I enjoy seeing the boys 
happy. Charley goes to Trouville next week; after you have 
visited Naples, we will join him. Charley asks me all kind of 
questions about you, but your letters are so short and cold I 
cannot show you off as an epistolary lover. I do wish you 
would write me a real love letter. You have the faculty, 
however, of conveying in a few words so much that my 
greatest pleasure next to being with you is in receiving your 
letters. I am physically ill with expectation when the mail 
arrives, and would be more so if your welcome letters failed 
to reach me. I told you not to write me, but you were too 
wise to be obedient. I told you not to come here, but you 
are expected. I want to see you more than this mute pen 
can portray. I find it so hard to separate myself from happi- 
ness. Will you come ? Do you know, senator, to kiss you 
after that woman has will be a penance, but one I will accept 
with religious warmth and fervor.” 

Senator Braintree had written kind letters to his wife 
with regularity but they were not lover-like, nor did he 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


129 

refer to the past, and it brought about expected 
results. 

After reading the above letter, he said, with a smile, 
“A love letter can do no harm in her present mood, I 
will try my hand in that style of literature/' 

PRIVATE. 

“Let Annie defy the dead, and Elsa trust the living. 
Incomprehensible as it may seem to your poetic justice, 
when you see me you will not welcome a sinner, while 
I will meet a Fair Penitent, who is now longing to make 
a profession of trust, and be absolved from further 
penance. She has faults of omission and commission, 
but her confessor will absolve the undutiful wife, and in 
new found happiness she will banish the nightmare that 
entered her Eden. 

“You are too hasty, my dear, in your conclusion when 
you write, “to kiss, you will be a penance after you 
have kissed that woman." Your deduction force me to 
make a statement. I have never kissed her or any other 
woman but my wife, and now I long for the pleasure 
so long desired me. 

I have written you a love letter, and for an old fel- 
low like me it reads fairly well, and if you are sure it 
will increase your happiness, you are at liberty to 
use it as documentary evidence that I love you." 

The Ridge, May 26th. 

“ My dear Elsa. 

“ It is very comforting to know that you are in a place where 
you can enjoy nature and art amidst her most delightful 
habitations. She has no more reverent lover, or truer dis- 
ciple than you are. You rise above trouble, real or imagi- 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, \ 


130 

nary, and your heart is as light as when childhood with its 
sweet and pure impulses made every moment a prophecy of 
undying joys. 

“ Good woman, how could the most callous heart with- 
hold from you its tenderest love. Brave woman, why should 
not knighted heroism bend its proud plumes to do homage to 
one who is brave enough to be happy under such crosses as 
you have had to endure. Yet you have extracted much 
pleasure from life. Why is it, my dear wife ? because there 
is light in your soul, and music in your nature which you can 
see and hear although denied to others less gifted. 

“ The pen portrait you recently sent me of “ My Senator,” 
exceeds in coloring the vainest thoughts of him who sat for 
the picture. You are an enthusiastic artist, and while I ad- 
mit the outline is true, I am only too well aware that I have 
not furnished the temple with material in keeping with its 
capacity. But enough of Ego, I am only trying to tone down 
the picture that a too partial artist portrayed. Now, my 
dear Elsa, allow me to paint a picture that revives a legend 
into actuality, with delightful effect. In thought, in sentiment, 
in spirit, in loyal devotion, in form and fashion, in goodness, 
honor and love, in sweetness, comfort, tenderness, generosity 
and ability you are to me a perfect being. 

“ I have a constant desire to probe your thoughts, to discover 
the wealth of your mind, to enjoy your happy smile and 
words of inspiration leading souls to higher planes through 
the wdsdom of your head and love of your heart. I glory in 
your love. I am proud to be your husband, to enjoy, in your 
own free and graphic style, the workings of your brain, the 
sunshine of your heart. You give poetry, history, romance 
and reality, with tint and coloring in an artistic manner that 
leaves a halo reflected from your brilliant mind that is 
charming. 

“ Please make my kindest regards to cousin Annie, Sidney 
and Charley, and rejoice your own heart in the fact I leave 
for the city to-morrow to sail Saturday on the “Cunarder” 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. < 

to meet you in Paris ; await your welcome with the ardor 
that will greet my arrival. With the fond hope of realizing 
all I anticipate. 

“ I am as ever faithfully, 

“ T. H. Braintree. 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

In a fisherman’s hut on the beach of Calais, a wounded 
man, unconscious of suffering or surroundings, hovered 
between life and death. There was nothing about the 
stranger who had been washed ashore after the terrible 
holocaust the previous night to give his identity or sug- 
gest his nationality. 

It was believed he was an Englishman, but in his de- 
lirium he talked ot Naples. Inquiries were made in 
that direction, but no knowledge was obtained. Several 
visited the hut with the hope of identifying the stranger 
but he remained unclaimed, and was kindly cared for 
by a member of the Red Cross Society. 

After three weeks’ suffering, evident sign9 ot improve- 
ment were confirmed. Gleamings of returning reason 
were apparent, but the fact that he was an American re- 
mained obscure. 

“ I want to see the American Consul,” he said to his 
nurse in an intelligible voice, one morning, after a 

refreshing sleep. 

“ Are you an American? ” she asked in surprise. 

“ My last recollections are that I was an American 
en route for Paris to meet my wife, but now I cannot 
place myself. I want to see some one who can tell 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


132 

me who I am, where I am, and why I am here ? I 
want Sidney Douglass, ” he said brokenly. Then 
ever visions followed, but the stranger had given a 
clue of identity to be successfully traced. 

The America^ Consul was soon with his wounded 
countryman, and gained enough knowledge to justify 
a dispatch to Sidney Douglass. 

The next day the mind of the sufferer was more clear, 
and interrogations confirmed the Consul’s belief that 
Senator Braintree, who was supposed to be dead, was 
still alive. 

“There will be news in America to-morrow, ” the 
Consul said with pleasure to the nurse, “if your patient 
can answer for himself. ” 

‘ ‘ He is much better ; his mind is comparatively clear, ” 
she replied. 

** Do you know Sidney Douglass ? ” the Consul asked. 

“ Yes.” 

lt Is your name Braintree ? ” 

“ Yes.” 

u Were you to meet your wife in Paris ?” 

“ Yes ; where is she ? ” he asked excitedly. “ Why am 
I here when she is waiting for me ? ” 

‘ ‘ There was an accident on the channel, the night 
you were crossing, and you were badly hurt. Douglass 
was here directly after the accident, but is now in Paris. 
I have telegraphed for him ; he will be here immediately. 
I am to move you to the Consulate, and get you in con- 
dition to meet your wife.” 

That night Sidney Douglass and Charley Peyton 
arrived at Calais to find Senator Braintree at the Con- 
sulate in a fair way to recovery. 

“ Where is Elsa ? ” he asked eagerly. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


133 


“ She has gone back to America with mother. You 
were believed to have been lost on the burned steamer, 
but now you are all right I will telegraph cousin 
Elsa. ” 

“ Not yet, not yet,” he said quickly ; “let me go to her 
in person. Poor Elsa she has suffered more than I.” 

That night Sidney cabled his mother, he was to return 
at once. Letter by post 

He then wrote “The lost is found, but keep the news 
a profound secret, as he wishes to return and speak for 
himself. We will leave on Saturday.” 

The next morning the senator was greatly improved. 

“ Sidney, tell me of my wife ; tell me of the accident 
from your point of view.” 

“ We were in Paris waiting your arrival. We had re- 
ceived your telegram giving us the date and boat, 
when news of a terrible accident on the channel reached 
me. Before telling cousin Elsa of the rumor, I went to' 
the shipping office to hear details. 

“ ‘ Has there been an accident on the channel ? ' I 
asked. 

“ ‘ Yes/ the clerk replied ; 4 News of the burning of the 
Reliance off Calais is coming in slowly, but we believe 
most of the passengers were saved, for another boat 
was in close proximity/ 

“ ‘ Is Senator Braintree of the United States missing ? ’ 
I asked with effort. 

“ ‘Yes, it known that he was killed when he jumped 
from the burning boat by a timber, and sunk in sight of 
those who could have rescued him had he not been 
killed by the blow/ 

“ ‘ Is there no ground for hope ? ' I asked. 

“ ‘ Apparently not/ the clerk replied. ‘You can see 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


134 

for yourself the telegram. His death seems verified. 

“I read a dispatch that made us all believe you were 
numbered with the dead. 

“ ‘An American by the name of Braintree is lost 
beyond doubt. It is not thought more than two were 
burned.’ 

“We accepted the rumor as a fact. I told the terrible 
news to Cousin Elsa as gently as possible, but the effect 
was heart-breaking. 1 1 want to go home, ’ was her only 
request. Charley, mother and Mary accompanied her, 
and are now at Alma Heights.” 

“ How is she since her return?” the senator asked 
anxiously. 

“ Charley has just returned from America. He says 
she seems dazed by the blow. Mary refused to believe 
that you were lost, and I am told she still has faith that 
you will return.” 

“ Did the people accept my death without any effort 
to verify it ? ” 

“ No ; every effort has been made, and while there has 
been no good basis for hope, it was decided by your 
friends and constituency to take no public action, to hold 
no memorial service, until after Charley and I made a 
personal effort to know for a certainty that death by 
drowning followed the blow you received when leaping 
from the burning boat The truth is, senator, they want 
your body at home, dead or alive.” 

“They shall have all I can give, soon as we can go. 
I am glad Mary’s faith is to be rewarded. ” 

“Mary’s faith created a lingering hope, not only in 
her mistress’s mind, but in the minds of the community ; 
and although days have passed into weeks and no 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


*35 

message followed, still, ‘ Hope lingers on the Hudson/ ” 
Sidney said, cheerfully. 

Two weeks later there arrived in New York an 
invalid gentleman accompanied by his physician and 
two friends. The party were driven without delay from 
the steamer to the station. 

“ Sidney/’ the invalid said, anxiously, “ do you fancy 
they know at the Heights of our return ? v 

“ Mother is the only one who knows we are en route. 
I am, however, of the opinion Mary will not be entirely 
surprised ; she will have everything arranged for the 
advent to prevent shock to her mistress.” 

“ That is well,” the senator replied ; but he was too 
preoccupied with his thoughts for conversation, and 
husbanded his strength to meet home and friends. 

When Mrs. Braintree returned from Europe it was 
hoped change would arouse her, but she refused to see 
any one, and would only speak of the senator to Mary, 
who believed the sea would give back her master alive. 
The two spent most of their time at the boat-house watch- 
ing, waiting, and hoping, but no return followed. It 
was believed Mrs. Braintree was dying of grief. One fatal 
remembrance crushed her heart and dazed her mind. 
It could not be disguised that the shadows were lengthen- 
ing over the Heights; that a brilliant life was going out 
in darkness. 

One bright afternoon sounds of rejoicing in the village 
floated over the water and reached the Heights. * ‘ There 
is news,” Mary said, quickly. 

A thought flashed through Mrs. Braintree’s mind that 
made her pallid with emotion. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


136 

“It sounds like ‘Hurrah for the Senator/ Mary said, 
excitedly. 

“There is only one senator living that would make 
our people rejoice in this time of sorrow. If it is 
‘ Hurrah for the Senator/ it is not a silent return. Go, 
Mary, quickly, and tell me who has come.” 

“ I have come, Elsa. I knew you were waiting for 
me ! ” Senator Braintree said quietly, as he clasped his 
wife to his heart in an embrace that made both realize 
the night of doubt had ended, the dawn of trust had 
come at last. 

“ God is good ! " Elsa said with a sob. 

“ Life is sweet,” the senator said with emotion, “for 
now our sorrow lies back of us. ” 

General demonstrations of rejoicing marked the hours. 
Houses were illuminated, guns fired, bells rung ; the 
Ridge and Heights became a succession of bonfires. 
Friends hastened to welcome 'one whom they had 
mourned as dead, and telegrams of congratulation, 
were received from every state in the Union. 

A new and great happiness took possession of the 
resuscitated senator and his bride. They talked of the 
present and planned for the future, but the past was a 
closed book, effectually sealed by remembrance. 


CHAPTER XXV. 

The senator’s term of office expired. He declined re- 
election ; he desired entire exemption from public affairs, 
and decided to make an extended European tour accom- 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


137 

panied by his wife, to compass the wish into certainty. 

Just before leaving Washington he received the fol- 
lowing letter from Mr. Member, which tells a story of 
thrift and enterprise under encouragement. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

Feb. 22nd. 

“ My dear Senator, 

“ Please find enclosed the last payment of the amount you so 
generously advanced when I was broken. I have met success 
and have you to thank for my good fortune. I am sovereign of 
a kingdom, without domestic trouble ; my nearest neighbor is 
ten miles distant from my ranch, hence peace, and my wife 
remains unscalped. I am sorry you have declined re-elec- 
tion. I hope, however, you will have a pleasant trip and re- 
cover your health, and in every way find life worth living. 

“I was at Slenderville last month to close up my affairs, 
backed with money, hence was well received. The Wheelocks 
returned from Eurcrpe while I was there. They are enjoying 
their immense wealth in a sensible manner. Mrs. Wheelock 
told me La Rue was dead, and that the countess claims to 
have abandoned her old life, She also claims she is to marry 
a missionary and go to India. This means that she is to 
change her methods trom open gambling to charitable 
schemes. I am indifferent to her success, so long as I have a 
Jack Pot in my ranch more substantial than any scheme she 
ever offered. Witfygood wishes and highest regards, I am, 
“ Your faithful friend, 

“ Joseph Member.” 

To Hon. T. H. Braintree. 

Senatoi Braintree handed the letter to Elsa. “You 
see good has come out of evil. My extremity was 
Member’s opportunity and he has made the most of it.’’ 

“I hope Natalie will enjoy her missionary.” Elsa 
said with a smile occasioned by the recollected past. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


138 

“ I have no faith in her Evangelist. She is the same 
old Natalie with some new scheme that requires new 
faces and new methods. A missionary in India will 
be a desirable adjunct to throw light on her path. Money 
is the object of her mission,” the senator replied. 

“ She is well out of our lives,” Elsa said with a shud- 
der. “Even her name chills me.” 

“ It is wisdom to forget her,” the senator replied. 

* * * * * * 

The Braintrees returned to the Ridge and were much 
occupied in arranging for a long absence. The last of 
May all was ready for the exodus. Sidney Douglass 
and Charley Peyton was to accompany them. The night 
before they sailed the Senator and Mrs. Braintree spent 
at the Heights, and together they visited the boat-house 
of memories, for a little confidental chat about family 
affairs at the Villa. 

“It seems hard,” the Senator said, “for Annie to be 
left alone.” 

“Yes, but she is anxious to have Sidney go with us. 
Charley seems to have cast a shadow over the Heights. 
Until he arrived there was only sunshine,” his wife 
replied. 

“Yes, cousin Annie told me she feared Sidney had 
an entanglement in New York. She believes a sea voy- 
age will break the spell. You will do more good than 
a sea voyage. Your practical knowledge will be valu- 
able,” he said with a smile. 

“I don't suppose Sidney has ever given his mother 
an hour's anxiety over his morals,” Elsa replied quickly. 
“She is afraid he will marry. She fears he will com- 
promise his social position ; he has a way of showing 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMTT. 


*39 

ladies so much attention ; of throwing so much more 
tenderness into his manner than he feels, that they are 
misled to believe courtesy means courtship/’ 

“Charley gave me a hint that he had formed an un- 
equal acquaintance, but such attachments are seldom 
lasting. ” 

“No, nor very honorable,” Elsa replied. 

“Sidney’s faults are not vices, but with his esthetic 
taste for beauty he will play with sacred fire, and who- 
ever plays with fire accepts great risks. Sidney is the 
type of man to accept, and his mother the type of 
woman to-be anxious. Tell Annie not to appoint her- 
self a moral constable over his actions, but to let him 
alone. I am very- proud of him, and since we have 
made him our heir my personal interest in him is very 
great, and I don’t intend to have his happiness ruined 
by suspicion.” 

“Charley is very nice, but he is not very good,” 
Elsa replied. “ Beauty is a shrine he bows before and 
feels no sin whether wife, maid or widow ; but I don’t 
want Sidney to make him a model.” 

“ There is no danger of that. Charley has had great 
social margin, Sidney has had very little. A mother is 
next to a wife to checkmate romances in a man’s life.” 

Mrs. Douglass and Sidney joined Senator and Mrs. 
Braintree in the boat-house and spent their last evening 
together enjoying moonlight on the Hudson, and talk- 
ing of the past as only families can do when about to be 
separated by time and space. Long and lovingly they 
lingered in the present, each knowing new warp and 
woof would make up the future, for when the weaver 
Destiny holds the shuttle, a new web is quickly woven. 
There are times in every life when the loom is quiet, 


a Social diplomat. 


140 

when the weaver seems asleep, but when once awak- 
ened results follow with startling rapidity. 

****** 

The January previous Sidney Douglass had been intro- 
duced to Mrs. Dalton by his cousin Charley, and 
evidently she made a marked impression upon his 
impressionable nature, for with characteristic enthusiasm 
he acknowledged 11 She is the most beautiful woman I 
have ever seen. ” 

The next evening the cousins met by appointment at 
Delmonico’s, and over a tete-a-tete dinner discussed the 
new beauty that had proved a sensation in Sidney’s 
life. 

“ Who is she ? v he asked, eagerly. 

“ How do I know ? I never catechise a woman when 
she shows a talent for fiction ; besides, my experience 
has taught me unsupported evidence don’t amount to 
much.” 

“ I know you are not an interrogation point, Charley ; 
but tell me, is she really respectable ? ” 

“ That is an open question in the minds of several ; 
but I depend upon no man’s opinion. I have demonstrated 
her claim by deeds, and drawn my own deductions of 
the qualities she possesses ; but I never repeat the result 
of my experiments. She claims to be within the pale of 
good society ; but remember, Sidney, women’s asser- 
tions are not always to be accepted as facts. I doubt 
the truth of her claim.” 

“ Is she wife or widow ? ” 

“I believe she is a widow without weeds, otherwise 
known as grass ; but she claims to have a brevetted 
husband somewhere on half-pay, whom she can utilize 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


141 


in case of emergency. She is sort of a Becky Sharp : 
she makes a husband a factor to inflate her financial 
schemes, then retires him to Coventry. ” 

“ Did you ever meet him? ” 

“ No; and no one knows for a fact that there is a 
materialization, but one is supposed to exist, and an 
imaginary husband is just as good for a woman of her 
ambition and achievements as a reality. I have been 
told that she is very successful in her matrimonial 
speculations. ” 

“ Is she rich ? ” 

“She lives, as you see, in style. She asks no favors 
of me ; but, Sydney, you should be cautious of her 
schemes. She sought an introduction to you ; she will 
prove a temptation. She is an Eve, with a sort of a fig- 
leaf virtue that makes her interesting as a study, but she 
is a humbug. You know I have many acquaintances 
of that order. They are a requirement to an artist with 
a vivid imagination ; but I am well seasoned, and can 
stand a great pressure. Then, you know, I am exceed- 
ingly liberal regarding women and their morals when 
they are beautiful. ” 

“ I don’t care a rap how well you are seasoned, or 
for your moral views, but I do care to know about Mrs. 
Dalton. Where did you make her acquaintance, and 
has she had much experience ? ” 

“I made her acquaintance in Europe. As for her 
experience, I know nothing from a personal standpoint. 
Put that down in your memory for a fixed fact. There is, 
however, a history and mystery in her life. I have 
heard people who were uncharitable say that she had 
aided Providence in bringing about her bereavements ; 
but that is no affair of mine. Once I became her con- 


142 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


solation, and, from an artistic point of view, she was a 
model widow. She posed beautifully as a true picture 
of resignation.” 

“ Who was the martyr?” 

<c I don’t know his true name. She never deified him, 
but she did give me to understand it was sort of a 
marriage in disguise, and that his death was not re- 
gretted. Not long after, she informed me she had 
married an Englishman of considerable means. She 
still maintains that he is in the land of the living, but she 
has never shown him in evidence.” 

“ I am curious to know more of her, for her beauty 
haunts me like a vision,” Sidney replied, eagerly. 

“ I am of the opinion she will haunt you like a reality, 
from her anxiety to make your acquaintance,” Charley 
said, with a smile. “ If I were in your place, I would 
not take much stock in her. ” 

“Why not?” 

“ Because you are a man of leisure and wealth, that 
is the style she affects. She will appropriate your time 
and money ,* and, from a strictly moral point of view, I 
should advise you not to accept the Dead Sea Fruit she 
will offer, for the chances are she will embitter your 
life. I warn you against her ; and if. you incorporate 
her into your social kingdom, I am not to be held 
responsible for any complications that may arise. I 
know a gold basis will satisfy her, and it will be much 
more secure than a sentimental foundation with a woman 
of her selfish nature. I cannot say that she is a bird of 
prey — for, honestly, I regard her a compromise between 
vice and virtue — but such women are infinitely more 
dangerous to a man’s moral and social standing than 
women with a price, for if a woman of her type fancies 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


H3 

she is in love with a man, she wants to marry him ; if 
he declines the honor she becomes a terrible possibility, 
and beats the devil for wickedness.” 

“ I will remember your caution, but I may not heed 
your warning. I am strangely attracted by her wonder- 
ful beauty.” 

“She is equally attracted by your bank account. She 
has an inquisitive nature in that direction — a specula- 
tive turn of mind to increase her own finances at the 
expense of others. ” 

“She may be a venture, but I will accept my risks,” 
Sidney replied, carelessly. 

The following spring, a few days before the Brain- 
tree party left for Europe, Sidney and Charley met in 
the city by appointment, and soon drifted upon a topic 
of conversation interesting to bqth. 

“ Do you see much of the charmer ? ” Charley asked, 
by way of introduction. 

“Comparatively little,” Sidney replied, with indiffer- 
ence. 

“Can you separate yourself from her?” 

“Yes; more easily than I can separate her truth 
from fiction. I don’t have much confidence in her 
romances ; I am quite ready to go to Europe.” 

“You don’t suppose she will follow?” Charley in- 
quired, doubtingly. 

“Hardly. She is not endowed with the fatal gift of 
constancy. I am convinced ‘Give and get ’ will satisfy 
her ; but she has been very aggressive ever since she 
knew of my determination to go.” 

“Well, I don’t know,” Charley said, reflectively. 
“She is a subtle character; there is no truth in her. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMA T. 


144 

She seems to have a deadly hatred towards your family. 

I have had to put her in her place several times. She 
is a mystery to me. She is emotional, yet a cold- 
hearted woman, capable of any crime. Evidently she 
does not fancy your going with Cousin Elsa, for when 
I asked her if she intended to accompany you, she said, 
with a sneer, M never travel with a gentleman who is 
placed under the care of a female chaperone. ' Then 
she asked, quizzically, ‘ Has Mrs. Braintree recovered 
from the effects of the tragedy attending Colonel Gilroy’s 
death ? ’ 

“ ‘What do you know of her tragedies ? ’ I asked. 

“ ‘ Oh, very little. I was in Europe at the time of 
his death. You know the histories and tragedies of 
families are not secrets. People will talk when a man 
dies as Gilroy died, especially when a woman was sus- 
pected of being the avenger.’ ” 

“You are interesting,” Sidney said, with a laugh. 
“Please continue, for evidently she don’t attempt to 
deceive you. I only hope she will not thrust herself 
into our family affairs, for if she should, she will get 
snubbed. ” 

“I don’t know what she will do, but she is capable 
of doing anything. According to her own admission, 
her life from childhood has been one of passion and 
sin. She has never claimed to be a saint, but she 
claims with pride to come of a race that has not hesi- 
tated to make a record of crime written in blood and 
sealed by Death. It is not my mission to rake up her 
past, but to warn you against her temper if you should 
cross her wishes, for I believe under certain conditions 
she is dangerous. With a person of her mixed morals, 
a compromise is better than determined action, for she 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


145 

is tropical in her nature and subject to cyclones/' 

" I agree with you. I think she suspects why I am 
going to Europe, ” was Sidney’s reply. 

“Where is she going?” Charley asked, indifferently. 

“She seems very anxious for a river view, and as a 
part of the compromise, I have told her she can have 
the Swiss Cottage, just below the Heights.” 

“There is strategy in that move,” Charley replied. 
“I don’t approve having her domesticated so near your 
mother. It is a harm view more than a river view she 
is after.” 

“Mother will not object, nor will she be a constable 
of private morals, when I am away. When I am at 
home, it will be an advantage, for mother is never 
anxious about me when I am on the river.” 

“ My advice, Sidney, is go to Europe, and not 
hurry home. She won’t want a river view long unless 
you are there.” 

From the day of Sidney’s introduction to Mrs. Dalton 
he had visited her constantly. At first he was charmed 
by her beauty, her manner was refined, her style ele- 
gant She was versed in ancient and modern literature. 
She sang w r ell and played better, and every act and 
gesture was charming ; still he did not trust her. He 
discovered so many discrepancies between her words 
and deeds, he could not draw a parallel of truth, al- 
though he made every endeavor to do so. He neither 
gave her confidence or love, but she held him by invisi- 
ble chains. He admitted to himself that in making her 
acquaintance he had acted from impulse, not from de- 
liberate choice. He was under an illusion ; he yielded 
to circumstances from lack of moral courage to resist 
the charms of beauty. She admitted her marriage and 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


H 6 

spoke of her absent husband in terms becoming a wife, 
but treated her young lover with the familiarity of a 
widow. Sidney knew the equities of marriage, he 
knew the moral law, he knew he was wrong,- but, man- 
like, he tried to believe God would forgive the sin for 
the sake of the motive, for only God can tell the motive 
of man or woman when once they are launched on the 
wave of compromise, under the ensign of illicit love. 

Mrs. Douglass discovered a change in the domestic 
habits of her son. She feared an entanglement and ad- 
vised confidentially with Senator Braintree, and urged 
a speedy marriage with Alice Hudson, his ward, to 
whom Sidney was much attached. She was in every 
respect a desirable selection for his wife, and when it 
was decided he would accompany the Braintrccs to 
Europe, her heart rested, for she foresaw the beginning 
of a desired end. Sidney returned early in August. 
He offered no explanation for changed plans beyond 
that he regarded it an extravagance of time to be away 
from his river home during the summer ; but the truth 
was, he had returned to effect an honorable separation 
from the inamorata who had but a few months before 
brought a new sensation to his life, and while the 
glamour lasted he cherished his secret treasure without 
thinking of near or remote consequences. But illusions 
were dispelled, a new love had entered his life, but he 
felt there was a duty for him to perform toward the old 
love, nor did he shrink from it, for he was by nature 
and practice fearless and true. After his return from 
Europe a marked change came over his life, he studi- 
ously avoided interrogations regarding his movements, 
and gave no reason for his daily absence from home. 

A woman is most always the reason with a man of 


a social diplomat. 


147 


Sidney Douglass’s type. Mrs. Douglass felt this truth, 
but had no real basis of confirmation except of a vague 
character based on human nature and common princi- 
ples. Charley returned from Europe with Sidney. He 
always accompanied him “down the river;” and 
mother-like, she gave him full credit for cause. 
“ Why do you find so much pleasure away from home, 
where every inducement is offered that love or money 
can suggest?” she asked him one afternoon as he was 
about to go down the river with Sidney. 

“There is a lack of beauty here,” Charley said, with 
an amused smile. “Artistic natures like Sidney’s and 
mine gravitate where it is found. ” 

“ I do not understand your laws of gravitation, Char- 
ley, more than I do your morals, but I am exercised 
over the cause and effect that takes Sidney down the 
river so frequently. I feel there 'is a woman in the 
question, and I shall make an ' oppbrtunity to inform 
myself fully of the character of the person you visit.” 

“Do not disturb your tranquillity, Cousin Annie, 
about my morals or movements. If Sidney's are not 
in accordance with your views of high morality, I 
would suggest you speak to him instead of me in order 
to bring about reform, for I never repeat.” 

“ I stand rebuked, Charley. I have the courage and 
disposition to warn my son of his danger, and while I 
am not indifferent to your morals or movements, I can- 
not control either, but there will be scandal unless 
more discretion is observed, and you are the senior 
partner in this compromising episode.** 


148 


A SOCIAL DIFLOMAT. 


CHAPTER XXVI. 

The day following, Charley spoke to Sidney of his 
mother’s anxiety and suspicion and suggested they return 
to Europe with him at an early day to join the Braintrees. 
“The family will blame me if there is any expose, 
and the senator will hate a domestic scandal, worse than 
the devil.” 

“There will be no scandal v Sidney replied, 
but I am ready to go to Europe. “My heart finds a 
home at Naples.” 

“By the way, have you the opal ring you won of 
that Italian some two years ago ? ” 

“ Yes. Why ? ” 

“Thereby hangs a tale. Yesterday Mrs. Dalton was 
talking with me about magical charms, when she said, 
‘Many regard the Evil Eye, with superstition, but there 
is an opal true to me. I once owned one that con- 
trolled my fate and caused results to run parallel with 
my desires. I lost it and now it is the object of my life 
to find my magical treasure.’ I referred to your ring. 
I wish I had kept silent.” 

‘ ‘ What did she have to say about it ? ” Sidney asked 
quickly. 

“She said considerable, and for once I rather think 
there was more truth than fiction in her claim. She said 
with considerable feeling, * My mother entrusted me with 
an opal of wonderful power, to guide my life through 
dangers seen and unseen, if I observed certain conditions. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


149 

It was a talisman of good luck, a precious legendary in all 
my destinies. Once when in Naples I loaned the wonder- 
ful gem to a gentleman to aid one of my plans in which 
he was interested. A month later, when in Trouville, I 
discovered the ring was missing. The Count claimed 
he had lost it by accident when at Naples, but that he 
expected to recover it again. You remember the day 
you met me on the beach at Trouville, when I returned 
from boating. The Count and I quarrelled about the 
ring ; I found he had played me false for he admitted 
the opal had been won by an American, I was furious 
to know my priceless treasure had been sacrificed, and 
by a strange fatality a tragic death was his fate. 

“ I always believed you drowned that poor fellow, 
now my belief is confirmed ; *' I said in reply. 

“It was fate, Charley. There is no armor against the 
blind sisters three, that weave the web of destiny, 
beside that ring is a curse to man. I have seen it 
taken from dead hands more than once. I know the 
fatalities sure to follow unless every condition is faith- 
fully observed. I had an idea the first man I happened 
to meet after the fatality would be the one to restore 
my ring to me. I believed, until I proved to the con- 
trary, that you were the American who had won it. 

I found I was mistaken, still the impression lingers that 
through you I will recover my magical treasure, and 
yet be able to control my fate.” 

“ I told her I fancied I could aid her successfully. 
Whether it was discreet or indiscreet, I told her of the 
remarkable opal you had which answered the descrip- 
tion of her treasure. I did not, however, tell her you 
won it in Naples. She will ‘ tackle ' you about the 
ring, and if what she claims is true, you had better give 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


150 

her the opal. She is in dead earnest to recover it and 
I fancy you can make your own conditions, for she said 
to me with apparent truth : * Charley, I made your 

acquaintance, and cultivated you for a purpose. You 
proved a good friend to me. You were discreet when 
discretion was worth a price, and I value your friend- 
ship. If you will recover my mother’s ring I will make 
you heir of all I possess, and I will pledge you my word 
of honor, I will never cross the path of your kinsmen 
again. ’ ” 

“I am glad you have told me of the conversation, 

‘ for forewarned, forearmed,’ I don’t care a straw for 
the ring, hut I want my release. We will exchange 
commodities ; that will be equity and justice. Did she 
say anything more about the poor fellow, who paid the 
price of folly with his life ? ” 

4 ‘Not much, but evidently she has done some think- 
ing, for she said heroically, ‘ A woman never kills a 
lover without cause. I have fixed ideas of justice and a 
code peculiar to myself if I am wronged.’ 

“ Were you ever wronged ? ’ I asked quizzically. 

“Not much, but I have had several dangerous escapes. 
My faith in that opal was absolute, and it was my pan- 
oply in danger. I do not claim kindred with high mor- 
ality, but I am a firm believer in retributive justice, with 
courage to maintain my faith, even at the price of my 
own life. That ring has been my religion. I would die 
for my creed as unflinchingly as martyrs died as an evi- 
dence of Christianity. Fate has been the religion of my 
life. My morality may be at fault, but my religion is 
true. I believe in retribution, and have educated myself 
to be constant in hatred, and my courage has never 
been found wanting. I have never lost a point in the 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


151 

Game of Life, through fear, but since I parted with that 
ring I have lost faith in myself.’ ” 

“She talks well,” Sidney said with a laugh. 

“Yes, and she backs her words by deeds,” said 
Charley. * ‘ And to tell you the truth, Sidney, I am anxious, 
as the case now stands. You can of course act your 
own pleasure, but my advice is for you to give her the 
ring, and put the Atlantic between you while she is 
under the magical influence of satisfaction in her new 
found treasure.” 

“All right, Charley, I will follow your advice, because 
I know it is good. ” 

The next afternoon Sidney and Mrs. Dalton went out 
on the river in the Elsa. She often accompanied him 
when rowing, and usually was brilliant and entertain- 
ing, but both seemed preoccupied on this special day. 
After some time had passed in silence she led up to the 
subject that occupied her thoughts, but Sidney was not 
communicative and showed no disposition to respond. 
He had, however, in his own mind decided to return the 
ring. He attached no superstitious influence to the gem, 
and commercial value was of little moment to him, and 
upon the whole he was pleased to part with it ; but he 
intended to make it an opportunity to name his own 
conditions. 

His silence irritated her and in an unguarded moment 
she lost her temper and demonstrated the contradictions 
of women’s character. She gave him a new study of 
love and hate, when she said with cruel voice and flash- 
ing eye, “ Give me that ring or we will go to the bottom 
of the river together, and make it the fatal opal of our 
lives,” 


52 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


“Will you give me up in return?” Sidney asked 
quickly. 

“ It is not my nature to give man up to increase his 
happiness. It is not part of my history to make heroic 
sacrifice, but I prefer my ring to you. It has always 
been my policy to sacrifice a lesser for a greater good. 
I am weary of ‘ moping melancholy and moon-struck 
madness’ without any real compensation. I made 
your acquaintance with an object; I will give you up 
without a regret. This may not be a flattering confes- 
sion to your pride ; but it is the truth, and it may be 
more surprising than fiction. 

“You are unnecessarily excited, ’’ Sidney said calmly. 
“I intend to return your ring. I do not care for your 
motive in making my acquaintance. From the first I 
have known you were attempting to deceive me, but I 
have not been deceived. I have however, endeavored 
to make you realize the love of compensation from a 
substantial point of view, but I have made no profes- 
sions of love or constancy, knowing you to be the wife 
of another.” 

“Iam not married,” she said quickly. “ I am legally 
a widow. You have heard much fictitious history, but 
this assertion is a fact.” 

“It will not change our history,” Sidney replied 
firmly. “I will restore the wished-for ring. You will 
give me my wished-for liberty. We will part friends, 
with no cause for complaint on the part of either.” 

“For some undefined reason,” she said in a soft 
musical voice, in a strange contrast to the tone employed 
a moment before, “ since I have known you I have 
been shorn of my strength. Your love has been sweet, 
but it has not sufficed to make me happy, or to inspire 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


*53 


the virtue of content. Premonitions, heretofore un- 
known to me, shadow my life. I have felt an entailed 
curse hanging over me. Now that I know that you 
possess the Ring of Fate, these feelings are explained, 
and can be removed. Give me the ring of destiny as a 
marriage ring, and I will realize my fondest anticipa- 
tions. We are brought together by Fate, and it is your 
destiny to confer on me the greatest boon I have ever 
asked at her hands.” 

Sidney made no reply, but looked firm and decided. 
There was no conflict in his heart, hence he could be 
silent ; he could not argue, for he had no desire to win. 

“You are angry ; but you must forgive and forget the 
exhibition of temper so unwisely made. You must re- 
member the curse. You know that Love was a Daughter 
of the Sea, a child of storm, and both calm and tempest 
must be expected from a Daughter of the Waves. Venus 
gave birth to Love, and through that fatal inheritance I 
have wrecked many lives, but now I am stranded.” 

They returned to the cottage in silence. They parted 
as usual, but each was morally certain politeness con- 
cealed hatred. 


CHAPTER XXVII. 

Sidney returned to the Heights silent and pre-occu- 
pied. For a long time he sat on the gallery overlook- 
ing the river, buried in thought. Evidently his medita- 
tion was not of an agreeable nature. 

“What are you thinking of, Sidney?” his mother 
asked as she joined him. 

“Of love and its fatalities,” he said, with a smile. 


154 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


“ Love is a terrible problem in human affairs, and 
fatalities the common result. “To love one woman is 
noble,’ to love many is folly, but to be in the power of 
a married woman is a crime. I beg you, my son, to 
break that wretched entanglement with a single blow 
and return to the harmonies of affection in your native 
atmosphere. I have heard enough about Mrs. Dalton 
to make my anxious heart apprehensive. 

“You have either heard too much or too little,” Sid- 
ney said, with a smile. 

“ I have heard enough to know that you are in a false 
position, with neither love nor passion to sustain the 
relation. Your position is not only delicate but danger- 
ous without compensation. A friend of mine has told me 
a chapter of her life, and no half measures must be re- 
sorted to with a womam of her character. Make a fixed 
vow to leave her and return to the domestic purity of 
your nature and home. You know the equities of mar- 
riage. She not only has a husband, but has had several. 
I am told she is without one redeeming moral trait of 
character. A wicked woman without mercy, filled 
with cruelty which springs from vitiated love.” 

* ‘ The logic of circumstantial evidence is on your side, ” 
Sidney said slowly, “besides, I am weary of the trop- 
ical outbursts of her delirious passion and I have en- 
dured until dislike to my moral nature b what fear is to 
the physical. She has made me an anchorite instead 
of a lover, but I have never suspected her of deliberate 
wickedness until very recently. It is true I have 
doubted her, but now my suspicion is confirmed. She 
has been acting a part for revenge or selfish ends, led 
on by a superstitious belfef in Fatalism, until she has 
made my life a martyrdom without a crown. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


155 

“Such women, Sidney, do not love, they destroy. 
You have been exceedingly foolish and must pay for 
your folly ; but what is financial price compared with the 
price of honor ? ” 

“You are right, mother, and it is peace of mind, not 
passion of soul that makes men content I was not 
won by love, but yielded to the emotion created by her 
superb beauty.” 

“The magical power of her beauty made you deaf 
to reason, and blind to facts, but now your safety is in 
strength of will. ” 

“ I may have been blind and deaf, but I am no longer, 
I have not only desire but will to leave her. It is said 
that ‘Love makes women saints, martyrs, or criminals.' 
She has no conscience, there is no limit to her demands 
and there seems to be crime in her heart. ” 

“Give her money, but give her no cause for anger, 
for I am told she is vicious and mercenary, ” his mother 
replied. 

“ She is not seeking compensation. She is seeking 
matrimony, and if she fails she is capable of revenge. 
I neither love nor fear her, but it seems wise to leave her. 

I think we will go to Europe. Mother, Elsa, and Mary, 
will protect me against any feminine’s assault,” he said 
with a laugh. 

“Why did that woman ever cross your path? I 
know her flesh and blood is vitalized with ruin. Don’t 
go near her again. We will leave on Saturday for 
Europe. ” 

“ I will see her but once more. I have made an en- 
gagement to do so to effect a compromise.” 

“ Tell me, Sidney, is Charley a mutual friend ? Why 
have you been unnatural ever since he has been here, 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


156 

why has he power to disturb you? Why are you 
nervous and preoccupied to-night ? ” 

“ That supposition regarding Charley is imaginary on 
your part, he does not disturb me. Nor am I more 
nervous than usual. ” 

“ Your looks belie your words. You have not been 
natural for days. Why have you on that opal ring to- 
night ? the sight of it makes me nervous. I wish you 
would dispose of it forever. I once saw a ring very 
like that on the hand of the woman that shot your 
father. I have a mortal dread of an opal. I wish for my 
sake you would dispose of it forever/’ 

“ I am about to do so. Charley has found some one 
who wants it regardless of cost.” 

“Who can desire an opal ? ” his mother asked. 

“Mrs. Dalton. She is so anxious to obtain the Evil 
Eye, she is willing to give me up in exchange. I fancy 
you will approve the transfer as a mutual benefit. ” 
“Yes, and may you both realize the law of compen- 
sation, ” she said with a smile. ‘ ‘ I rather think the Evil 
Eye will go where it belongs.” 

“ I have just written a new song,” Sidney said, as if 
a change of subject was desirable, “that may account for 
my preoccupation.” He went to the piano and ran his 
hands over the key-board. “The fatalistic gem looks 
well even if it is dangerous,” he said carelessly. 

“ What is the title of your new song, Sidney.” 

“ ‘A Profession of Love,’ I am to dedicate to my 
mother, for she has no rival.” 

He sang and played with great expression, words that 
filled his mother’s heart with singular emotion : 

“ By every hope that earthward clings ; 

By faith that mounts on angel’s wings, 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, \ 


157 


By dreams, that make night shadows bright, 

And truths that turn our days to night, 

By childhood’s smile, and manhood’s tear, 

By pleasure’s days and sorrow’s year. 

By all the strains that fancy sings, 

And pangs that time so surely brings— 

For joy or grief, for hope or fear 
For all hereafter as for here, 

In peace or strife, in storms or shine 
My soul is wedded unto thine.” 

“ It is beautiful, my son/’ his mother said, as she 
kissed the singer, with an earnest “ God bless you, al- 
ways. I will accept your pledge of Eternal Love. I 
am sure there is no rival to defraud me of happiness. I 
feel, Sidney, that when you marry Alice, I will not lose 
my son, but gain a daughter, and* she will find a wel- 
come place in my heart, because she is worthy of your 
love.” 

Mother and son said good-night with varied emotions. 

Sidney went to his room to wait for Charley, who had 
gone to the cottage alone. He reflected upon the words 
of his mother. He was surprised and annoyed to have 
her know much and fear more, regarding his acquaintance 
with Mrs. Dalton. He had hoped to close the whole 
affair without her knowledge. Still he hardly expected 
to be so fortunate, for the madame was growing more 
aggressive, and constantly talking compromise. He be- 
lieved her object money. Although she claimed that she 
loved him, he regarded it only a mirage, created by self- 
deception ; that she was utterly incapable of love of 
person. He could not deny to himself, that he had 
been charmed by her, but the spell was broken, and he 
longed to break the fetters that bound him, now that 
they had ceased to be golden chains. He could not 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


158 

forget she had threatened his life, but he had no fear of 
practical vengeance on her part. Still he had to admit 
she was a woman of courage; one who would have no 
horror of what the end might be when under the power 
of passion. 

When Charley returned to the Heights, he found Sid- 
ney alone in his room writing his “ envoy.” 

“You look like the bearer of dispatches,’' Sidney said 
with a laugh, as Charley held up a letter, saying, “give 
me credit for having faithfully fulfilled my mission.” 

“I do. What did she say ? ” 

“She is in bad temper. She instructed me to obtain 
the opal and deliver it to her to-morrow morning re- 
gardless of near or remote consequences. She is going 
to the city and depends upon the ring to work out 
some fatalistic miracle. ” 

Sidney broke the seal and read the following : 

“ The Cottage.” 

“ This is not a note of sentiment, but fact . I love you. 
Whether this confession is wise or foolish is not a question to 
discuss between us. There is another fact equally assured : 
my love is unrequited. You plainly show you regard me 
unworthy of your affection. I may be from the stand-point 
of your judgment ; still it will be wise for you to temporize 
and conciliate, rather than alienate and desert. Once before 
I loved a man who would have made me his wife if he could, 
but you have chosen another, when you could make me your 
wife if you would. My heart has been educated and is quick 
to detect even the subtlest deceit or concealment in one 
whom I love. You have foiled my purpose. You have 
crushed my ambition. You have left me stranded. A com- 
bination of unfortunate circumstances has surrounded me 
since the day we met. My heart has played me false and 


A social diplomat. 


*59 

betrayed me into a dumb passion that has wrecked my 
life. 

“ Until I knew you, my greatest crime was love of money 
not love of creature. In all my varied experience I have 
never been famous for social offences. It is true I have in- 
dulged in matrimonial enterprises and Monaco ventures, to 
gratify my ambition. In the game of gold I found excite- 
ment and realized profit, and was indifferent to cause or effect 
so long as I compassed desired results. After the loss of my 
ring a change come over my life and luck. You became 
master of my F ate. You struck the key-note of a new song, and 
now you say ‘ we must part.’ My heart does not echo those 
words, but both my head and heart ratify a decision I have 
formed : * To die and part is a less evil than to part and 
live.’ My courage has deserted me. I can only find refuge 
in death, and the sooner the shaft strikes me the better. I 
have but one request to make. Please send me the Amulet 
by Charley. If you fail to do so I feel sure it will be the Fatal 
Opal of your life. 

“ Yours sincerely, 

“ N.” 

“ How did she look when writing this note ? ” Sid- 
ney asked quizzically. 

“She looked as usual. She went to her desk and 
without any apparent emotion wrote the letter. Why, 
it is a death-warrant ? ” 

“Not exactly. She wants the ring. Tell her I will 
give it to her in person the next time I go to the 
Cottage. ” 

“But she has set her heart on it to-morrow, ” Charley 
said earnestly. 

“ She has set her heart on a good many things she 
will never realize. I don’t care a rap for the ring, but 
I intend to make my own conditions when I de- 
liver it ” 


a social Diplomat. 


160 

“ But you must send her a note, my word will not 
satisfy her." 

“Tell her she is welcome to the ring and its magical 
influence," Sidney said, as he went to his desk and 
quickly wrote. 


Alma Heights, Tuesday evening. 

“ I will call at the Cottage and deliver the ring to you in 
person. I trust under its magical influence you will seek life 
instead of death, and realize all reasonable anticipations. 

“ You spoke to-day as if our separation was to be only tem- 
porary. I must disabuse your mind on that point. It must 
be eternal, and the ring must be the signet of the compact. 
I have reflected on this matter with great earnestness and the 
more I reflect the more I am convinced that it is the only 
course for me to adopt. We must make up our minds this 
separation is irrevocable, and that we will accept the decis- 
ion as one for our best good.” 

“ Yours truly, 

“S. D. ” 

Early the next morning, Charley went to the Cottage 
and delivered Sidney’s note. Mrs. Dalton read it with- 
out comment. For a few moments she sat in deep 
thought. 

“ I am resolved,” she said, with firmness, “upon my 
future course, and resolution without action is folly. 
As I feel now you will soon have an opportunity to read 
my last will and testament. I am for the first time 
convinced life is not worth living. ” 

She went to the piano and played a sad refrain to 
confirm her opinion, then sang in a sweet, clear voice 
the story of her life. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


161 


“INFELIX. 

“ Where is the promise of my years, 

Once written on my brow — 

Ere errors, agonies, and fears 
Brought with them all that speak in tears, 
Ere I had sunk beneath my peers — 

Where sleeps that promise now ? 

“ Naught lingers to redeem those hours, 
Still, still to memory sweet ; 

The flowers that bloomed in sunny bowers 
Are withered all, and Evil towers 
Supreme above her sister powers 
Of Sorrow and Deceit. 

4 ‘ I can but own my life is vain, 

A desert, void of peace ; 

I missed the good I sought to gain — 

I missed the measure of the strain 
That lulls fame’s fever in the brain 
And bids Earth’s tumults cease. 

“ Myself? Alas ! for theme so poor — 

A theme but rich in fear ; 

I stand, a wreck, on Error’s shore, 

A spectre, not within the door, 

A homeless shadow evermore, 

An exile lingering here.” 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 

The Douglass family had been influential in national 
affairs, and conspicuous in social matters for nearly two 
centuries before Sidney Douglass, the last of the race, 
appeared in the record. In nearly every generation a 
chapter of tragedy was recorded ; still, amid all their 


162 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


destinies and tragedies, they were extremely popular 
with the people, beloved by friends, and admired by 
neighbors ; and no one of the name had been more highly 
regarded than young Douglass, who seemed to inherit 
all the virtues of his ancestors, endowed with the gift 
to bind friends to him with bonds of steel. His father, 
Judge Douglass, married his cousin, Annie Douglass, 
and through the union a very large fortune was entailed 
upon their only child. Judge Douglass met an untimely 
death when his son was twelve years of age, at the 
hands of an infuriated woman, who shot him on the 
bench, just after pronouncing sentence upon her criminal 
husband. Senator Braintree was appointed guardian of 
Sidney. He loved him as a son, and made him his heir. 
It was the hope of all interested in his future that he 
would unite his fortune with a ward of the senator's, 
who was in Europe with her guardian. 

Sidney had talked with his mother regarding Alice. 
He always confided his romances to her. She was a 
safe confident, but when passion entered his life, he 
was silent, and silence aroused her suspicion. She 
sought Mr. Allaire, and armed herself with such knowl- 
edge as she could obtain. She had heard he was a 
legal friend of Mrs. Dalton’s. She made opportunity to 
see him, and gained desired information. He, how- 
ever, withheld any episodes in her life to involve the 
dame or honor of her family, but did not hesitate to ex- 
press the opinion. “The Madame is not a desirable 
acquaintance for your son, from the fact she always 
unites love and finance, and the common result is dis- 
grace and disaster. The boy had better go to Europe, 
and stay with the senator.” 

There is no love like mother love to foresee danger. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


163 

No intuition like mother intuition, to ward off calamity. 
Mrs. Douglass had a chapter of Heart History, and her 
anxious love made her fearful history would repeat 
itself through her son — the last of his race. She saw 
his danger, and recalled the sad fate of her only 
brother, who had been caught in a web of beauty woven 
by a siren of the nether flood, who imprisoned him in 
the depth of disaster, to drift rudderless on the treach- 
erous sea of ruin. Mrs. Douglass realized Sidney had 
been taken in the flood, and was nearing the Fatal 
Coast, and she was nearly frantic to avert the wreck of 
a noble life. She had marked the fatal episode when he 
stepped beyond the bound of his own circle, to find en- 
joyment in the liberal views of one where less formality 
was required, and more liberty enjoyed. At first, she 
claimed ignorance, but a mother is rarely ever deceived, 
and when she saw that he was coquetting with danger 
against his better judgment, his secret wish, she warned 
him of the fatal vortex which would inevitably sweep 
him to ruin unless he grasped the helm of honor, before 
it was too late. 

“Oh, weakness of human nature and folly of man 
who drifts through sentiment, and is wrecked on the 
sunken rocks of philosophy ! ” 

Sidney, as a rule, greatly relied on his mother’s calm 
judgment, but in the Dalton affair, he regarded her 
version of impending danger as exaggerated. In his 
blindness he saw no danger, but he was not strong 
enough to steer clear of the whirlpool of passion created 
by superb beauty. He was caught by the tide, and 
swept away by the current of folly, despite the prayers 
of a mother who would have died to save him. 

Charles Douglass Peyton, a cousin of Mrs. Douglass 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


164 

was a Bohemian by nature and practice. He was 
educated in Europe, where he won and enjoyed fame 
as an artist of merit. His father for a long period was 
minister abroad. After his death Charley had sufficient 
fortune to enjoy the luxury of independence — regard- 
less the favor of his Muse. Mrs. Douglass and Sidney 
joined the Peytons in Europe after the death of Judge 
Douglass, and remained several years. Music was the 
passion of Sidney Douglass’s soul ; he had wealth and 
leisure to indulge every inspiration of his life. When 
they returned to America with the Braintrees, they were 
welcomed home with all the old enthusiasm the return 
of a Douglass evoked. 

The Douglass villa with a high watch-tower over- 
hanging the cliffs on the Tappanzee Bay commanded 
an extended view of the crystal sea of the Hudson, and 
was known far and near as one of the most beautiful 
homes on the Rhine of America. A long flight of stone 
steps led to a handsome boat-house of distinct indi- 
viduality furnished with details and accessories for 
every enjoyment. The Elsa, Sidneys favorite boat, 
afforded him great pleasure. He was an accomplished 
oarsman, an expert swimmer, and entirely familiar with 
the river, and able to take favorable advantage of any 
ordinary accident. Henry the Silent (as he was known 
on the Heights) usually accompanied his master, and 
was as watchful as his faithful dogs, but the thought of 
danger was an unknown quantity in Sidney’s calcula- 
tions. Mrs. Douglass seldom went on the river, but 
from the watch-tower she would watch the declining 
day beyond the sunset, and wait for her boy, without 
thought of danger, or suspicion he was visiting an 
unknown rival in close proximity to her home. She 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


165 

knew the Swiss Cottage had been rented for the season 
to a friend of Charley’s. It was known Mrs. 
Dalton’s cottage was perfect in all its appointments ; 
that she dressed in exquisite taste, and was rarely ever 
seen by cottagers or villagers only at the station when 
going to the city. She was a sensation, without 
scandal ! No one questioned Mr. Peyton’s friends ; his 
social morals were regarded more European than 
American, and created no gossip. It was known 
Sidney visited the Madame, and that Mrs. Douglass 
did not, but the fact created no remark. The rumor of 
Sidney’s recent engagement to Alice Hudson was 
generally accepted as a truth, and any attention shown 
other ladies was regarded simply a pastime, or social 
courtesy extended through common politeness. Early 
Wednesday morning Charley called upon Mrs. Dalton, 
then left for Philadelphia, to spend two days with 
artist friends in the Quaker City. He told Sidney the 
Madame was going to the city, and asked him to defer 
his call at the Cottage to deliver the ring until his return. 

Sidney went out driving in the morning with his 
mother. When he returned Henry delivered a message 
from Mrs. Dalton that he received without remark. 
About 5 p. m. he went in the Elsa , alone on the river. 
Mrs. Douglass stood on the gallery of the boat-house as 
usual to enjoin him “to come home early.” When he 
kissed her au revoir he said, “ I may be late to-night.” 
A few moments later he called over the water in his 
clear musical voice, ‘ ‘ Mother, wait for me ! ” 

It was a lovely afternoon, the river, a lake of glass, 
dotted with pleasure craft, presented a picture of remark- 
able beauty, which became engraved on Memory’s wall 
in the hearts of all who witnessed the parting of mother 


1 66 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


and son on that fatal day. As Mrs. Douglass watched 
him out of sight, she looked up to the highway of 
eternal truth with faith in God and her boy. There 
was no forecast of the home returning. No angel 
whispered to the ear of her soul a premonition of dan- 
ger, but in harmony with nature she heard the music of 
her heart, “ Mother, wait for me ! ” 

Before her was a silvery sheet of water reflecting a 
picture of calm ; above, blended in sapphire, pink and 
crimson, the clouds formed a halo no artist could copy ; 
but the inspiration calmed the emotions of her troubled 
heart, and in bright fancies she dreamed out a future 
for her boy. 

“ Why did you not go with Sidney ? " Mrs. Douglass 
asked Henry as he joined her at the boat-house. 

“ Because the Madame sent her man here this morn- 
ing and left word for Mr. Sidney to be sure and come 
alone. She knew Mr. Charley was away and she did 
not want me. I think it is strange she sent such a mes- 
sage, when Mr. Charley told me this morning at the 
station to keep my eye on Mr. Sidney and not let him 
go to the Cottage alone, while he was away.*’ 

A change passed over Mrs. Douglass’s face ; a pre- 
monition of danger filled her heart. She had never 
known Henry to volunteer any information regarding 
his master’s movements, and the new departure was a 
danger signal to her intuitive soul. 

“ Go to the Cottage and do not return without him,” 
she said, quietly, but her voice betrayed her emotion. 

That order was enough ; Henry understood his mis- 
sion and departed with alacrity. Even the dogs seemed 
to realize the situation, for with human intelligence 
they followed the restless footsteps of their mistress as 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


1 67 

she walked the gallery, and looked anxiously into her 
face as if they knew the words Henry had spoken had 
changed her day to night 

As she watched Henry crossing the bay she saw 
several boats put out from the club-house, and soon 
after was saluted by a large party of Sidney’s friends as 
they passed the Heights on a barge. 

“ There is safety in numbers,” she said to the dogs, 
and the assurance made her less apprehensive. They 
caught a reflex of her calmness, and soon after slept 
quietly at their mistress’ feet in the watch-tower, where 
they had gone to watch and wait the home-coming. 

Mrs. Douglass’ eye was educated to take in a river 
view with great accuracy. From her tower of observa- 
tion — one of the most commanding points of the 
Hudson — she looked long and anxiously down the river. 
About half-past six she recognized the Elsa, followed 
closely by the Annie , crossing the bay, and felt a sense 
of relief only known to waiting mothers. “ He’s com- 
ing,” she said to her silent companions; “we must 
meet him at the river.” Away the dogs bounded down 
the stairs, as the mistress turned to cast one more glance 
over the crystal sea, to utter thanks for the safe return, 
when a vision met her gaze that rivetted her to the spot 
in dumb anguish. A shriek from a hundred voices 
sounded over the water, echoing the death-cry of a 
human soul. “It is my boy ! ” she cried, in frenzied 
anguish, as she rushed down the steps to the river, fol- 
lowed by her dogs and terrified servants. “ Oh, God, 
save my boy ! I will give my fortune to the one who 
will save him.” Three boats, under the Douglass 
colors, manned by three servants, who pledged their 
lives for the master, left the frantic mother with assur- 


1 68 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


ances that they would fetch back her boy. The dogs 
plunged madly into the boats, ready to do or die for 
their master. The mother stood on the float, watching 
and praying with agonized hope. 

There was general alarm on the river. The danger 
signal sounded from the Club House, bells were ringing 
from private boat-houses calling men to the rescue : 
but death was cruel on that summer day. Money and 
love were powerless ; there was no rescue ; Sidney 
Douglass was lost forever. One cry for aid was heard 
over the still water. One brief struggle, followed by the 
awful stillness of death, and he upon whom love, hope, 
ambition and wealth centred was beyond the reach of 
loving voice, yearning eyes, or grasp of loving hands. 
In the sight of home and mother, surrounded by friends 
and servants, Sidney Douglass, the child of many 
prayers, floated out upon the evening sea of Eternity to 
the echoless shore of the Hereafter. 

Men, pale with excitement, approached the Douglass 
landing to tell the tragic story. In a dazed manner 
the mother watched the party returning, in the full belief 
her child was saved, until she recognized the Elsa and 
realized Henry was alone. 

“ Where is my boy? Oh, God, where is my boy ? ” 
was the frantic cry of the stricken mother, and only 
strong hands prevented her following her son to his 
rocky grave under the shining water. It was evi- 
dent she was unmindful of actualities. She did not 
realize the end had come. “Henry,” she said, 
excitedly, “ Sidney is in great danger ; he is battling for 
life against fearful odds, but God will save him. Let 
the watch-tower be lighted and bonfires be kindled, 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


269 

so he will know we are waiting for him. He will 
come ; he has never disappointed me. ” 

Every one was excited. No one could explain ; 
but all realized a terrible calamity had occurred. It was 
the general opinion an inexplicable accident had caused 
the death of young Douglass. Friends were, how- 
ever, more interested in effect than cause, for the 
tragedy created not only a profound impression, but 
honest hearted sorrow. Telegrams were sent to Charley 
and to the city, where Sidney was a great favorite. 
Many friends were arriving by each train. All along 
the river members of boat clubs were rowing to the fatal 
spot to lend assistance. The hospitality of the house 
was extended to all, but Mrs. Douglass took no notice 
of events. She walked the gallery overlooking the 
river, followed by her faithful dogs, saying to them 
constantly, “ He will be here soon ; he told me to wait 
for him.” She was supported by blind faith that a 
miracle would be wrought to give back her boy alive. 

All night long, the river was lighted and hundreds of 
men kept faithful vigil as watching over a son, or 
brother. In the gray dawn of that fatal morning Charley 
Peyton arrived to find sorrow on the Heights, because 
the master would return no more. He took his place 
as head of the house and offered immense sums of 
money, and ordered every known device to recover 
the body, but the river refused to give up its dead. 

He was surprised to find Mrs. Douglass had survived 
the shock, but distressed at the terrible change that had 
been wrought physically and mentally. In a few short 
hours his presence, however, seemed to convey the 
truth of the tragedy to her mind. “Is it true?” she 
asked in a dazed manner. “Is my boy lost forever? " 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


I 70 

“ It is believed the body will be recovered,” Charley 
replied. 

“ Why was Sidney drowned? ” 

“It was God’s will,” Charley replied, for want of a 
better answer to her interrogation. 

“ No, Charley, it was woman’s will, is she still living ?” 

“No, she paid the price with her own life.” 

“ That is well,” she said calmly, “ she knew if she 
committed the crime and lived, she would suffer for 
it ; the justice of the law would not exonerate because 
of beauty or passion. She knew I would be his 
avenger and that death was her only refuge. She 
was so wicked she would not shrink from the cold 
embrace of death, herself, to take him with her. She 
murdered my boy. It is that siren of the nether flood 
that holds him down in the cruel river ; I tell you 
Charley, she is the Goddess of Hela. She killed my 
boy.” 

Charley saw she was getting more excited, and told 
her he must go to the river in order to avoid conversa- 
tion. He gave orders that no newspaper should reach 
her, for he was confident if she should see the paper 
version and verdict of the death of Sidney, that the 
shock would prove fatal in her excited condition. When 
the death of young Douglass became known in the city, 
and that Mrs. Dalton had died with him, it naturally 
excited comment at the clubs, and a sensational report 
reached the press, but it could not reach the sensitive soul 
of the victim ; but the arrow of scandal went quivering 
through the mothers heart and ruined her life. 

When Charley returned he saw she was greatly ex- 
cited. He believed the heavy artillery which was being 
used on both sides of the river, had wrought the sudden 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


171 

change, until she said, “ Charley, I have seen the papers. 
Why did they do my poor boy such injustice, now that 
he is unable to defend himself? Why did they attack his 
father’s memory ? Why have they libelled the dead ? ” 

“ The report was made on rumor, not on fact. It 
will not injure the dead,” Charley said kindly. 

“No, but it hurts me. I believe I will go mad over my 
double affliction.” 

Every hour she grew more excited. She fancied she 
could hear Sidney’s death cry above the roar of the 
artillery, and see his face on the crest of the waves, as 
they beat against the shore. ‘ ‘ I must go to him she 
said wildly. He beckons me to come. Why should I 
desert my boy ? * 

“Is she mad? ” Charley asked the physician who 
was in attendance. 

“ No ; but she is so finely strung she is out of tune. She 
is not mad, but she is on the verge of insanity. She 
must not be excited, or crossed in any fancy or whim 
until the nerve centre is more evenly balanced, but she 
must be watched. It is a great pity the Braintrees are 
away. ” 

The Heights was the central point where all congre- 
gated. The flag of welcome floated at half-mast from the 
Watch-tower. The village was in mourning. The 
tragedy, the topic of conversation, and unstudied praise 
flowed freely of the man for whom they mourned and 
watched, under the shadow of the Heights. Unceasing 
efforts were made day and night to recover the body 
without result. Expert rivermen had the impression 
that it would rise on the third day from natural causes, 
but that period seemed an eternity to waiting hearts. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


172 

It was believed music would have a soothing effect 
upon Mrs. Douglass, whose nervous system was en- 
during agonized tension. Charley sent to the city for a 
renowned band, but there was no solace for her. Each 
hour she grew more excited, her brain was on fire. In 
fevered visions she saw her boy held down by the siren, 
and heard his cry for aid until she was frantic. On the 
second night after the tragedy, about midnight, Charley 
left her for a few moments to go to the river. He stood 
on the float watching the lights and men, when he saw 
a figure approaching the boat-house, but so many were 
about the place it excited no suspicion in his mind, until 
he saw a woman make a quick, silent leap from the 
gallery of the boat-house into the slumbering water. 
Quick as thought he recognized Mrs. Douglass, and 
sprung in after her. He saved her life, but reason had 
fled! 

4 4 1 must go to him,” she said, wildly. 44 I have seen 
my boy. She will not let him come to me, I must go to 
him. Charley, why do you keep me from Sidney ? 
Why are you in league with that woman of death ? I 
was on the gallery waiting for him, when I heard a 
splash of his oars, and saw the Elsa float into her moor- 
ing. Sidney sprang from the boat, and waved his hand 
to me in welcome. I ran down the steps to meet him. 
He took both my hands in his as he kissed me, then 
said in his soft, sweet voice, 4 Mother it was not acci- 
dent, but murder. In my writing desk you will find a 
letter which will give you the name of the Nemesis of 
our family.’ Before I could reply, he vanished into the 
water from my sight. I sprang in to follow him, but 
you, in cruelty, have prevented me going to my boy.” 

Charley and Henry held the frail, delicate woman by 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, \ 


173 

physical force to prevent her following the phantom 
boatman of her vision, which was a reality to her mind. 
An opiate was administered making her forgetful of the 
tragedy. Sleep, the twin-brother of death, wafted her 
troubled soul into dreamland, and the cry of Rachel was 
hushed. 

On the third day, as the fatal hour approached, a ter- 
rific thunder-storm troubled the waters. The white- 
capped waves lashed the shore with fury, and the artil- 
lery of heaven reverberated through the Palisades with 
startling effect. The villagers, servants, friends, and 
Charley were all at the river, unmindful of the warring 
elements, for the impression was general that the hour 
had come for the river to give up her dead. About six 
o’clock the impression was verified. Men with brave 
hearts patrolled the river in a circle. The four Douglass 
servants hovered nearest the fatal spot under Henry’s 
direction. When the storm was at its height the body 
rose to the surface. Henry recovered his master. The 
servants bore the mortal remains to Alma Heights, in 
strong, tender arms, followed by a long procession of 
men who had watched and waited without once faltering 
in the claims of friendship and duty. 

Mrs. Douglass was unconscious of the silent return. 
In her delirium she was singing cradle songs to her baby, 
and waiting for her boy. 

There was no resurrection for the Child of Storm. The 
Daughter of the Waves, was held down in her watery 
grave unsought, unmourned and unregretted. 

The sensational reports that wounded many hearts 
were modified to meet the views of public opinion, and 
people and press vied to do honor to the memory of 
Sidney Douglass. 


174 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT, 


On the fifth day after the tragedy, music wafted the 
soul of her disciple to the Heavenly heights. On 
Sidney’s beautiful hand flashed the fatalistic gem, and 
its influences, whether real or fictitious, were buried with 
him on that September day, when a host of friends, too 
blinded with tears to look up to God with resignation 
over the sad ending of a noble and brilliant life, heard 
“dust to dust” said over the silent sleeper. 

Mrs. Douglass did not know the hour when her son 
was laid away to sleep the sleep that knows no waking. 
The remains were laid on a bier and carried by his ser- 
vants, followed by Charley Pejdon as chief mourner, 
with Henry by his side. Their grief made them equals. 
Charley had loved the boy, Henry had worshipped the 
master ; and both felt on that memorable day that they 
represented the Douglass family. 


CHAPTER XXIX. 

During those days of sorrow Charley Peyton stood 
between Mrs. Douglass and the world. He telegraphed 
to Senator Braintree the central fact of the tragedy, 
and advised that Mrs. Douglass should go to Europe 
at once to save her reason, if possible, through decided 
change. 

He wrote Mr. Allaire, the lawyer of the dead woman, 
the following note, and every detail and act was 
marked with diplomatic discretion to do honor to the 
dead and credit to the living. 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


*75 


Alma Heights, September 15th: 

“ To Stephen Allaire Esq. 

New York City. 

“ My dear Sir : 

“You had better come at once to the cottage and take pos- 
session of Mrs. Dalton’s effects in the name of the law. If you 
find any skeleton hidden in that house, or concealed in her 
affairs, keep it a legal secret injustice to the dead, and honor to 
the living. Mrs. Douglass is very ill ; her life is being weighed 
in the balance ; the indications are that she will never realize 
the loss of her son. 

“ Yours truly, 

“ C. D. Peyton.” 

Two weeks of hope* and fear passed before Mrs. 
Douglass awoke to a realizing sense of the situation. The 
shock of Sidney’s death had broken the main-spring of 
action. The story of the tragedy and the reflection 
cast upon the tragedies of the Douglass family in cold 
print reached the nerve centre. She escaped mental 
wreck, but happiness was ruined, and the pleasures 
of life and home were memories. One morning when 
her mind was apparently calm, she said, decidedly : 

“ Charley, I want to see Henry ? ” 

“ Is it best, Cousin Annie ? ” 

“ I wish it ; there is nothing that can hurt me now, 
no expediency can change the fact.” 

“Are you strong enough? ” Charley asked anxiously. 

“If I am strong enough to endure God's will, why 
should I shrink from detail. Fetch him to me immedi- 
ately I want you to hear the true story with me.” 

A few moments later Henry, dressed in deep-moum- 
ing, responded to his mistress. 

“ I want to hear of the last hour of Sidney’s life. You 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


176 

were the last friend with him. Tell me everything,” 
she said kindly. 

“I tried to save him,” he said with a sob, and he 
broke down completely with honest hearted sorrow 
that a faithful servant feels over the death of a beloved 
master. “You must excuse me,” he said apologetically ; 
“but I loved Mr. Sidney. He was my best friend. I 
would have died for him, but I could not even help him, 
when I saw him murdered before my eyes.” 

“ I know you would have saved him had it been pos- 
sible. I shall remember your devotion to him forever. ” 

“Men call it accident ; ” Henry said with emphasis. 
“Why, he could have saved himself and her; and I 
could have saved both had it b*een natural. I know it 
was murder ! I think he was poisoned before he left the 
cottage, and was too weak to help himself or resist 
when she upset the boat, and clung to him with a death 
grasp that carried them under like a dead weight, for 
they never rose . I secured Mr. Sidney’s hat. I hope 
you will give it to me. It will be my religion ; all I wish 
to remind me of Heaven.” 

“ Yes, Henry, you may keep the hat as a souvenir of 
that fatal hour ; but tell me of the end,” Mrs. Douglass 
said calmly. 

“ I went to the Cottage as you directed. Mr. Sidney 
was standing alone on the gallery ; he seemed surprised 
to see me. ‘ Why have you come ? ' he asked. * You 
were told you were not wanted to-day. ’ 

“ ‘Your mother is not feeling well. She sent me to 
ask you to come home soon as possible.’ 

“ ‘All right, I will go directly, ’ he said, as he went into 
the Cottage to get his hat. I saw the Madame come 
down the stairs, and heard him tell her he was obliged 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


177 

to go home at once, as his mother was ill and had sent 
for him. 

“He spoke in his usual voice, but she was very angry. 

I heard her say, ‘ I am glad you are such an obedient 
son. She sent just at the right time to please you, but 
you must give me my ring before you leave. You have 
put me off long enough. What assurance have I that you 
will ever return it ? ' 

“ 1 You have my word, and whenever you will agree 
to my proposition you can have the ring, not before .’ 
They were both in bad temper about a ring that she 
wanted. I saw Mr. Sidney go to the sideboard and 
take a glass of wine. Her back was turned to me but in 
the glass I saw her face and it looked like a devil. I 
saw her smile with a look that seemed to say, the ring 
is mine. A few minutes after he came on to the gallery 
looking very pale and said to me, ‘ You will have to 
take Mrs. Dalton to the station. She insists that I should 
take her in the Elsa , but I cannot row there in time for 
the express train/ 

“ T can, easily,' was my reply. 

“She overheard the conversation and came out, black 
with rage. ‘ I asked you to take me. I will not be 
turned over to your servant to please your mother. I 
prefer your company and intend to have it.' 

“ ‘ My mother is perfectly indifferent to your move- 
ments ; and I think we have seen enough of each other 
to-day. ' 

“ She made no reply, but got into the Elsa. Mr. Sidney 
followed. He said to me, ‘ Keep close, Henry, for I 
have a hard chill. I know I cannot reach the West shore 
in time for the train.’ 

“ We were midway of the river when he called me to 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


178 

take his boat. * I am very ill/ he said. ‘ I had better 
get home soon as I can. ' 

“ I heard her laugh as she said, ‘ You will not dispose 
of me so easily. Where you go I follow/ She stood up 
in the boat and threw an oar with the strength of a man 
as she said, with a strange voice, ‘ take that but not 
me/ and a flash of temper passed over her face that 
made her look like a fiend. I bent over the side of the 
boat to reach for the oar, when I saw Mr. Sidney spring 
forward as if to escape her grasp, and heard a strangled 
cry, ‘ Henry, Henry ! T Quicker than a flash she upset the 
boat and clung to him with a look of murder on her face, 
as they went to the bottom together. I sprang in where 
they went down, but neither rose. The water bubbled for 
a moment then all was still. The river is about eighty 
feet deep where they went down and has a rocky bed. 
She chose the spot she wanted, and threw the oar at me 
to occupy my attention. I know she murdered him. 
The coroner calls it accident. You were too sick when 
the inquest was held to advise me, so I followed my 
own judgment. I did not offer any information, I only 
answered questions. I never gave Mr. Sidney away in 
life, and I was not going to in death/’ Henry said, with 
the loyalty of a true Douglass by nature, if not by name. 

“I know it was murder,” Mrs. Douglass replied, “but 
we will be as silent as your master. It may be wise 
to speak of the tragedy as an accident.” 

After Henry left, Mrs. Douglass said to Charley : 
“ Tell me, upon your Douglass word of honor, what 
do you know of that woman or her antecedents ? ” 
“ Do you know her name? ” 

“ I do not know her name, for according to her own 
admission she has had several, I met her at Trouville 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


179 

as the Countess La Rue, under rather peculiar circum- 
stances. I was alone on the beach late one afternoon 
when she came in alone from rowing, and announced 
herself to me a widow. When I gave her my name she 
claimed her mother had been a friend of my fathers, and 
that she knew our history as a family from A. to Z. I 
did not credit her assertion, for she is a great romancer. 
I had neither right nor curiosity to question her state- 
ments. I simply accepted her version of affairs, but 
there was gossip regarding La Rue s death, and the gen- 
eral opinion was that she, more than Providence, was 
the cause of her widowhood. I became interested in 
her, but never had any faith in her morals or methods. 
Sometime ago she told me she had married an English- 
man by the name of Dalton, and afterward I met her in 
New York. She was anxious to know Sidney. I in- 
troduced them, but regarded it an unfortunate hour when 
they met, for I regarded her as a dangerous woman, and 
warned him not to get entangled. Still I had no sus- 
picion she would harm him until recently, when I heard 
her say, ‘ Douglass has revived the smouldering ashes 
of love into flame, and only God' can foretell the end 
unless he makes me his wife/ 

“ ‘ He will never marry you ” was my quick reply. 

“ ‘ He shall never marry any other woman/ she said, 
in a tone that made me suspicious of danger. I warned 
Sidney. You know the end.” 

“ I believe you, nor do I blame you for the acquaint- 
ance or the sequel,” Mrs. Douglass said earnestly. She 
was familiar with Heart History of men and women 
who, under the inspiration of Love and Passion, had 
written chapters of eventful memoirs, and was tender 
of human infirmities. She was a wise woman and 


j8o A social diplomat, 

had no disposition to attribute the tragedy to the influ- 
ence of a third party. Still, knowing and loving her 
son as she did, she could find no forgiveness for the 
woman who had robbed her of her idol, nor could she 
find any sin in her boy. 

The conversation revived a memory of the vision and 
the words of Sidney, “You will find a letter in my desk, 
giving the name of the Nemesis of our Family/’ 

“I must have seen Sidney,’’ Mrs. Douglass said to . 
Charley, “for here is the letter just as he said. ‘ To my 
mother. ’ ” 

‘ ‘ That is singular, ” Charley replied. ‘ ‘ Can it be possi- 
ble that he had any premonition of what the end would 
be?” 

“ He knew she was vicious. The night before he 
left me he gave me his confidence. Shall I read the letter 
alone, or can you listen to a voice from the dead ? ” 

“ I can listen to the truth. Sidney has not done me 
injustice, or implicated me wrongfully. Now , when 
nothing can blot out the past, or change what is written, 

I will tell you, Cousin Annie, before you read that letter. 

I was anxious for Sidney’s future, for there was a past in 
that woman’s life that made me fear harm would befall 
him. I urged him to break the wretched entanglement 
in which he was involved and go with me to Europe. 
He was glad to do so. He was aware of the plans you 
and the senator had in view for him, nor was he averse 
to their speedy consummation. He was really in love 
with Alice Hudson, and was ready to marry, soon as he 
disposed of the Madame’s claim upon him. He left 
Europe with the fixed determination to do this. I came 
back and have stood by him with loyalty. I have no 
fear of condemnation, nor have I ever been jealous of 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


181 


his future with Alice Hudson as some of the gossips 
give me credit. There was no rivalry between myself 
and Sidney and he will confirm my assertion.” 

Mrs. Douglass broke the seal and read with painful 
emotion the following letter : 

Tuesday Night. 

“ My dear Mother : 

“ If in the course of human events, you should read this 
letter, your heart will be tender toward one beyond judgment, 
and just toward one whom you may feel prone to condemn 
for your bereavement. It is true I was introduced to Mrs. 
Dalton by Cousin Charley. She sought my acquaintance, but 
he warned me against her, and in no way has he aided or 
abetted her schemes ; on the contrary he has tried to remove 
me from her influence. He has even resigned in my favor 
any hope or expectation he entertained toward winning the 
heart and hand of Alice Hudson. He had no knowledge of 
the checkered career of the beautiful woman he once admired. 
I do not think he is even aware of the fact that she is the 
daughter of Adel6 Dupr6. I took my fate in my own hands 
against his wishes and my better judgment. Since that evil 
hour all the good points of my character have seemed qualified 
by a negative condition, and I regard the day I met Mrs. 
Dalton one of the days of my life that had a curse upon it. 
Still blinded by beauty and led on by the force ofimagination 
I entered the quicksands with open eyes and willing feet \ 
and invited the nettle danger into my life without regard to 
near or remote consequences. 

4 ‘ I was charmed by her beauty, and true to nature and the 
traditions of my family, I yielded to the seductive influence 
of a beautiful woman. It was easy to admire one so richly 
endowed as Mrs. Dalton, but all men admit that when a 
beautiful woman is under no moral, social or religious re- 
straint, that she is a character of terrible possibilities. Mrs. 
Dalton has a history. She has had many vicisitudes, many 
adventures; she believes in an extinction of memories, and evi- 


182 


A SOCIAL- DIPLOMA T. 


dently she understands the science of forgetting, but there 
are episodes in her life that will rise to haunt her wherever 
she is found. 

“ When I was in Europe I became possessed of an opal ring 
which she claims is hers. She believes the influence of the 
fatalistic gem attracted her to me and controls our destinies. 
She claims to believe that an irresistible bond unites our 
future ; and that tragedy will be the end of both unless I 
make her my wife. She also claims to love me, but she is 
deceived in the sentiment and led on by a reckless deception 
that is in fact insane fury. 

“ With her fixed belief in Fate and her vitiated love 1 am 
placed under the dominion of an avenging passion. The 
result is I have made an irrevocable vow to leave her forever, 
and am ready to accept whatever penalties may follow. 

“ Last week I called upon her lawyer, Mr. Allaire, when he 
gave me her true name and history. I have paid a heavy 
price for the discovery. She does not know that I am aware 
of her past, but she suspects it ; and knowing that which Ido 
I cannot dispel the idea that the end is not yet. Had I known 
I was yielding to the power of Natalie De Foe, I would have 
resisted to the death. You can now understand why the 
name of Douglass and Peyton attracted her attention ! Love 
is a powerful element in sorrow, disaster and tragedy, and I 
may realize its fatalities to the bitter end ; but whatever fate 
may be meted out to me be assured, dear mother, of my holiest, 
tenderest love forever. 

“ Sidney.” 

For a few moments neither Mrs. Douglass nor Charley 
could crystallize their surprised thoughts into words. 

“ My God ! Cousin Annie, do you suppose Natalie 
De Foe is the child of that woman who killed Judge 
Douglass, the woman my father once patronized and 
protected ! ” 

“Yes, Charley, and the woman that killed Jack Gilroy, 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


183 

and nearly ruined Senator Braintree, through her black 
art. I had a suspicion of the truth, and my suspicion 
was confirmed only on Monday. I intended to make 
a revelation to you and Sidney, but alas for intentions ! 
The chapter is ended, the seal is set. There will be no 
more vengeance, for there are no more victims.” 

The next day letters were received from Senator and 
Mrs. Braintree. Mrs. Douglass was calm when she 
recognized the familiar handwriting of her cousin and 
read of her sorrow with less emotion than Charley 
anticipated. 

“ Naples, Italy, Sept. 16th. 

“ My Dear Cousin Annie : 

“ We heard the fatal news by cable. The senator is actually 
crushed by the blow, and my heart refuses to be comforted. 
It seems hard that the last of our line should fall a victim to 
the wickedness of woman ! Who was she ? 

“ Something tells me our boy was a victim. I feel he was the 
betrayed not the betrayer. My own experience has made me 
very tender in my judgment of men, but whether Sidney was 
right or wrong I will shield his memory and defend his honor 
with the loyal -hearted zeal of a Douglass. You know loyalty 
to each other is the tradition of our race. 

“ We have heard the cruel story, but we shall accept your 
version of the tragedy. 

“ I want to see you more than this mute chronicler can ex- 
press. Come to us at once. Leave the Heights and in involun- 
tary exile, indulge in the sacred luxury of grief remote from 
the scene of your sorrow. Together we will mourn our lost 
idol and deify him as only loving women can do who had 
absolute faith in the boy. 

“ Alice is very quiet in her grief, but with us she is afflicted. 
We must give her a place in our hearts, because Sidney loved 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


184 

her. Charley is our anchor of hope now, and it may be wise 
for Alice to be our young cousin, for she will ever be a sweet 
memory of our loved and lost, and it seems best she should 
be a reality to Charley. We must make him our heir, and it 
is well to think of the future and unite the broken threads 
before there are any new complications. Charley will be 
your escort here. We all say Come. The senator is writing 
you to send by post with this. 

“ With earnest prayers that God will comfort and strengthen 
you, we await your coming with sincere affection, 

“ Elsa.” 

“Charley, read this,” Mrs. Douglass said, as she 
handed him Mrs. Braintree’s letter. 

“ It is characteristic,” he said with a smile. “ How 
true it is blood is thicker than water.” 

“We will go. I cannot stay here any longer. I must 
seek the composure, but not depression of solitude, or I 
will lose my reason. I must leave the river of memories, 
for on every wave I see the cruel face of the murderess, 
and the fearful thought of my life is, that she will rise 
out of the depths and cry for mercy, and there is no 
forgiveness. ” 

“We will go next week. You had better write Cousin 
Elsa, I will write the senator of our plans.” 

Mrs, Douglass went to her desk and wrote quickly : 

“ The thought of seeing you again, dear Elsa, has aroused 
me to action. To be with you will make me more content 
than any other earthly pleasure. I can rely on you and the 
senator with absolute confidence. Your wishes regarding 
Alice will be my pleasure. Charley is worthy of our love. 
He has been a brother to me, and is in no way responsible 
for the sorrow that has fallen upon us. 

“ The estate of the dead woman has been settled by her 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


I8 5 

lawyer, Mr. Stephen Allaire. He was here this morning and 
told me of her will. In it she said : ‘ In consideration of 

kindness shown my mother, by Hon. Charles Peyton, when 
his friendship was more valuable than money, I bequeath all 
my real and personal estate to his son, Charles Douglass 
Peyton.’ He discovered her legal name to be Natalie De 
Foe Maroni, the daughter of Adelg Dupre, the woman who 
killed Judge Douglass, the woman who made Mrs. Peyton so 
much domestic trouble. Truly God’s ways are mysterious. 
What a succession of history and tragedy is buried under the 
blue waters of the Hudson ! 

“ Knowing the Nemesis and her antecedents as you do, you 
are right in your conclusions when you regard Sidney the 
betrayed not the betrayer. He was loyal, tender and true to 
the last ; but there are details of the tragedy to be given only 
when we meet face to face, for events leading to such trage- 
dies are not for written words. 

“ It all seems like a dream to me. I cannot realize my watch- 
ing and waiting on the river has ended, that hoping, loving, 
and fearing is only a memory. I know it is our duty to trust 
Plim who holds the tempest in his hands, assured that calm 
will follow ; I am so tempest tossed I cannot see the way, but 
my heart turns to you and I follow the inspiration. I leave 
my home in sorrow, and my heart in the grave of my boy, 
but when my wanderings shall cease, I want to return and 
find eternal rest on the banks of the River of Memories. 

“ Yours always, 

“ Annie.” 

Two years passed. Henry the Faithful watched over 
the sacred grave of his master, and cared for his horses 
and dogs with tender devotion. It was known to him 
that Mrs. Douglass had never recovered from the fear- 
ful shock of her sons death, and that her health was 
failing more rapidly. Orders were given to have the 
mansion on the Ridge and the villa on the Heights 


A SOCIAL DIPLOMAT. 


1 86 

opened. The family were to return early in October to 
celebrate the marriage of Charley Peyton and Alice 
Hudson. The spirit of expectation brooded over the 
Heights and through the valley, when the village was 
electrified with news. The fatal words passed over the 
cable, “Mrs. Douglass is dead !” The sun of her life 
went down in clouds, but the end was peaceful and 
calm. 

The Ridge and Heights were in mourning. Memories 
of the destinies and the tragedies of the Douglass family 
passed from lips to lips with varied recollections, but 
there was no condemnation. 

All mourned and honored the dead, and waited with 
loyal interest the silent return of the last of the name of 
a family so conspicuous in their midst when living, and 
wherever the end came made the pilgrimage to rest on 
the banks of the Beautiful River. 

Mr. Peyton, Mr. Gilroy, and Mrs. Douglass had 
crossed the Atlantic in death, to be buried with their 
kinsmen, who had met their fate on this side of the At- 
lantic, where it stands on record that twenty-seven of 
the Douglass family died “with their boots on.” 

The victims of the fatal opal sleep on the Heights, 
mourned, loved and regretted. The Avenger in the 
Depths unsought, unmourned, and unregretted. What- 
ever influence Fate may have exercised over the life of 
Natalie De Foe, in death God is her Judge. 


THE END. 


























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